Kentucky Wrestling News

KHSAA Rule Change

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:42:00 +0000

There will be a change to Bylaw 25 concerning coaching individual sports after the season has ended. Wrestling is considered an individual sport in this Bylaw. I am not sure of the details because they have not released all of them. A complete and more detailed explanation will be given at our rule clinics in the fall.

This change will be a great step in building Kentucky Wrestling. Coaches will be able to prepare and coach their athletes for/at National Events which is something we have been working toward for years. Hopefully this will lead to more Kentucky wrestlers wanting to participate in these higher profile events. I am not sure how it applies to the number of athletes, etc. Again, a more detailed explanation will be coming soon.

ideas?

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Patterson) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:33:00 +0000

Hey guys my name is Joe Patterson. I am the coach of the Bluegrass Wrestling Club in Lexington and teach at Henry Clay High School. Coach Chris McCoy has asked me to start writing for the site. As my first post, which will be short, I wanted to thank him for this opportunity and solicit ideas to write about.

For those of you who don't know Coach McCoy he is also a teacher in Fayette Co. and the head coach at Lafayette High School. In the off-season he administers the 5-Star Wrestling Club, runs the Bluegrass State Games for wrestling as well as other tournaments, is the USA Wrestling director for the state of Kentucky in the areas of freestyle and folkstyle and most recently created this site to complement the Kentucky Wrestling website that has been in existence for the past few years. Coach, I want to thank you personally for not only the opportunity to write but also for your promotion of wrestling in Kentucky. I've only been around for a comparably short time but have met few people who have done more for the sport in our state.

Now about my posts/blogs I already have a few ideas in mind but wanted to take suggestions from people around the state for things they would like to read about. Topics may include anything related to wrestling on any level; however please keep it only to such topics. Also keep in mind that I only plan to write a couple of times a month and just because I have not responded to your request quickly does not mean that it has been overlooked. If I feel your topic is not appropriate or there is not sufficient information then a response will be sent back saying so. After a post is made please feel free to comment and give feedback (hopefully constructive) as that is how I will become a better writer.

If you have an idea please email me at jpatt0207@gmail.com and provide a short description. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.

-JP

haha I thought it was going to be short, should have known...

Upcoming Posts

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:50:00 +0000

I have been very busy closing up school. I am changing positions at school and that has taken some of my time. I apologize there have been no posts as of late but that will change starting tomorrow. Thank you for conitinuing to visit our site and supporting Kentucky Wrestling.

noreply@blogger.com (Garrett Pikul) — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:57:00 +0000

Since this is summer, I would like to discuss Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Most summer wrestling is Freestyle and Greco-Roman, which culminates with the Cadet and Junior Nationals (held in Fargo, North Dakota in July). Many wrestlers, not just in Kentucky, are hesitant to wrestle Freestyle and/or Greco because they are unfamiliar with it. If you look at national rankings throughout the high school season, the majority of the wrestlers ranked in the top 10 wrestle Freestyle and Greco. I would like to explain some of the differences between Folkstyle (High School) and Freestyle

FOLKSTYLE:

Emphasis on Control
2 pts for gaining control (i.e. takedown/reversal)
1 pt. for a loss of control (i.e. escape)
Attacking wrestler does not always score
Once a takedown is earned, wrestlers will remain in that position until there is a change in position (i.e. escape or reversal)
Supporting points (i.e. toes) must remain inbounds to score out-of-bounds
Wrestler must expose his/her opponent’s back to the mat at a 45° or less to score near-fall points
Wrestler receives a 2 pts. near-fall for exposing his/her opponent’s back from 2-4 seconds and a 3 pt. near-fall for exposing for 5 seconds
Wrestler who takes his/her opponent from his/her feet to their back earns 2 pts. for a takedown (plus any possible near-fall pts)
Shoulders and/or scapulae must be in contact with the mat for 2 seconds to earn a fall
Wrestler wins the match by scoring more points than his/or her opponent
Technical superiority is achieved when there is a 15 pt. differential
Wrestlers are not penalized for stepping out-of-bounds
Wrestlers are NOT allowed to execute a ‘high amplitude thow” from feet to back (i.e. belly to back suplay)
Wrestlers are forbidden from locking their hands around their opponent’s body while on the mat

FREESTYLE

Control is important, but not essential to score
1 pt. for gaining control (i.e. takedown/reversal)
Attacking wrestler is rewarding for initiating action
Once control (i.e. takedown) is earned, the top wrestler must make an attempt to turn his/her opponent. If the wrestler can not turn his/her opponent, the wrestlers are brought up to a neutral position
If action is started in bounds, it may score out of bounds (without any supporting points)
Wrestler gains 2 pts. for exposing his opponent’s back to the mat at a 90° or less
Wrestler receives a “hold down” point for exposing his/her opponent’s back for 5 seconds
Wrestler who takes his/her opponent from his/her feet to their back earns 3 pts. (plus a possible “hold down” pt.)
Shoulders and/or scapulae must be in contact with the mat 1 second (for Cadets and above) or 2 seconds (for Schoolboys and below) to earn a fall
Wrestler wins the match by winning 2 out of 3 periods
Technical superiority is achieved where there is a 6 pt. differential (this wins a period)
Wrestlers give up 1 pt. for stepping out-of bounds
Wrestlers are allowed to execute a ‘high amplitude thow” from feet to back (i.e. belly to back suplay). This would be scored as a 5 pt. throw
Wrestler’s are allowed to lock their hands around their opponent’s body while on the mat

This is just a basic list of differences. Greco-Roman rules are basically the same as Freestyle. The only difference is that grasping and/or the use of legs offensively and defensively are prohibited.

If anyone has any comments or questions, feel free to contact me (gpikul@hotmail.com) and let me know.
Thanks.

Interview with Kyle Ruschell

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:26:00 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to talk with former Ryle High School wrestler Kyle Ruschell and discussed wrestling in both Kentucky and College. Kyle just completed his fourth year at the University of Wisconsin where he had a 32-8 record and finished third at the NCAA Tournament. Kyle became just the third All-American from the state of Kentucky, the first since his high school coach Dave Barnes (Simon Kenton) in 1992. The other Kentucky All-American was Dominick Black (Henry Clay) of West Virginia who placed fourth at 190 lbs. in 1991, making Ruschell the highest finisher from the state of Kentucky.

Ruschell's High School and College Accomplishments:

Current College Record - 88-24
High School Record - 191-18
3 Time NCAA Championship Tournament Qualifier
2008-2009 - NCAA All-American - 3rd
2008-2009 - 5th - Big Tens
2008-2009 - 4th - Cliff Keen Invitational
2008-2009 - 2nd - Midlands
2007-2008 - 5th - Big Tens
2007-2008 - 5th - Cliff Keen Invitational
2006-2007 - 2nd - Big Tens
2006-2007 - 3rd - Cliff Keen Invitational
2005 - 3rd - NHSCA Senior Nationals (112)
2005 - KHSAA State Champion (119)
2004 - KHSAA State Champion (103)
2004 - 7th - Beast of East (103)
2003 - KHSAA State Runner-up (103)

Q. How did you find out about the sport of wrestling? Who were your earliest mentors and influences in the sport?

A. It’s actually a weird story. It all started when my father broke his back at work. He went back to school and became a teacher. He got a job at Gray Middle School and he put us both into that school system. It is in the Boone County School District. But since he taught there we could go to those schools. During my brothers first year at Gray (8th grade) he met a kid named Matt Peace (Bryan Peace’s older brother). He told Keith to come out for wrestling. Keith went out and the next year, being the younger brother and wanting to do everything he did, I went out for the Middle School Team. My father, who coaches the Ryle High School team, now started the Middle School Program and that was my first year, the same year as Gray’s first year. So I have looked back and if my dad wouldn’t have broken his back and went back to school I would have went to a school without wrestling and I wouldn’t be where I am at now.

Q. Tell us about your family and how your father, who was your high school coach, helped you grow as a student athlete while you were in high school.

A. My father molded me into the person I am today. Not only on the mat, but off the mat as well. From a young age he always told me to do my best and he will be happy, and you only get what you want out of something that you put into it. So in high school I knew before then what he wanted. I knew I was going to be the hardest worker in the room because my dad knew what I wanted to become and he wanted to help me reach those goals. He not only expected me to want to work harder than everyone else but a good role model as well, because everyone looks at the coaches son as an example.

Q. Talk about your four years wrestling in high school in Kentucky, where you were a two time KHSAA State Champion and Runner-up and began placing in events on the national level. What made you so successful at that time, and who was involved in giving you these supports?

A. Although my father supported me and gave me that extra drive he is too big for me to wrestle. So I couldn’t get on the mat with him. There are two people that come to mind when I look at this question. First, Rick Barker. He was closer to my size and I could get on the mat with him anytime I asked. We did everything together, biked, lifted, wrestled, and since he was our assistant coach our families would get together and eat. He kicked my butt for three years and it wasn’t until my senior year it started to get close. He taught me how to keep wrestling and not giving up points so easy. He also created nicknames for kids in my weight class to get me mad and make me drive that much harder.
The other person is Dave Barnes. I believe he gave up the head coaching job to my father my 8th grade year, but he had been the last All-American from the state of Kentucky. His skill was unmatched around this area, and knew all aspects of wrestling. However, being that you that is not what attract to him. It was that he had done one of my biggest goals, become an All-American and I knew he knew what it took to get there.
My three coaches were the best coaches a kid like me could ask for. They all cared about me as a person and wanted me to reach my goals not theirs, and would do anything in their power to help me reach those goals.

Q. During your junior year in high school in 2004, you became the first Kentucky wrestler to place at the Beast of the East Tournament in Newark, Delaware. What made you believe that you could compete on the national level and do so well at one of the toughest high school tournaments in the nation?

A. I believe it was my senior year, the winter of 04, so the 04-05 season. When I went there I really did not know what to expect. I went out there to just wrestle and knew that if I wanted to continue to wrestle after high school and be the best, I had to wrestle the best guys I could. So Coach Barnes got me into the tournament and went out there with me. He also did this so coaches around the nation could see me. My own personal drive made me think that I was one of the best kids in the nation. The other thing I had going for me is that I didn’t know who was who, so I went out there not knowing if the kid was nationally ranked or not and so wrestled the same every time.

Q. Talk about how difficult the transition was from high school wrestling to wrestling in the toughest conference in the NCAA, the Big Ten at the University of Wisconsin.

A. The transition was what everyone had said it would be, hard. I remember my first day in Wisconsin’s wrestling room and I was told to go with a kid just a year older than me from New Jersey, Zach Tanelli. Not knowing who he was really and being nervous because it was my first time on the mat I soon found out how good the competition was going to be in the room. He shot in on my leg within 15 seconds, and expecting to do what I did in high school and just get my leg back, I instead found my leg up in his armpit in the air. Bouncing around on one foot I was not on my feet for long. Zach had smacked me as hard as he could across the face and tripped my standing leg. Seeing stars and think that this kid was a jerk I had just gotten a taste of what to come that redshirt year.
In a college room in the big 10 you know everyone is at least a state placer if not a state champion from states like Ohio or Pennsylvania. SO the competition in the room if it doesn’t break you it just makes you a better wrestler. That redshirt year I clung to a 2x All-American, Tom Clum and absorbed as much as I could from him. That year other than my coaches he was my most influential person in my wrestling because he was a senior he sat there and taught me things and then would get up and kick my butt. When I made mistakes he helped me fix them, and boy I made a lot of mistakes that first year.

Q. In 2008, you were seeded 7th going into the NCAA’s but fell a few matches short of being an All-American. How did that affect the next months leading up to the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

A. I had gotten hurt about two weeks before big 10’s and the night before the first round I was cutting weight and wrestling Donny Pritzlaf and we were just drilling and I hurt my neck. This hurt me in the national tournament. Knowing I should have been and I let it slip through my fingers I had to watch kids that I had beaten reach one of my goals, including National Champion Jeff Jaggers. I was two matches away when I got knocked out of the tournament I and could only sit there and watch. I had beaten the national champion and four of the all Americans. So that experience could only motivate me to continue and just get thirstier.

Q. In the 2009 NCAA Tournament, you defeated Lance Palmer from Ohio State who had beaten you earlier in the tournament in the Quarter Finals to finish 3rd at 149 lbs. behind only Darion Caldwell of NC State and Brent Metcalf of Iowa. Tell us about the challenge of defeating Palmer in the later medal rounds by a score of 5-4.

A. I had wrestled him two or three times before the national tournament and he had beaten me all of those times also. So I had a good feel for what he was going to do. I went into the match wanting to keep it in bounds and that is just what I did. I didn’t allow him to dictate the match and let him keep going out of bounds.

Q. Explain your emotions and thoughts after having your hand raised to take third place and become only the third Kentucky wrestler to be an All-American in the NCAA’s.

A. Well to me that was not when my emotions got the best of me. It was when I beat the kid from central Michigan to become an all American. I had been in that situation before and had lost, so getting past that I felt I had nothing to lose. I talked to my coach after my third place match and he said my last two or three matches were my best ones of the tournament because I was more relaxed and just went out to wrestle because I had already become an all American. Looking back he was right. After my all American match I just remember sitting and just thinking I did it, I met a goal that I had been reaching for the past four years and accomplish since I started wrestling.

Q. How good can you become as a wrestler? What can you improve upon to put yourself in position to win a National Championship in 2010?

A. I tend to stand around sometimes and rest my hands. I need to be more active on my feet (more offensive) keep my hands heavy and moving. When I do this and keep improving on all my others skills and endurance I believe I can become an National Champion.

Q. Looking ahead, what are Kyle Ruschell’s new goals as a wrestler? Can we expect to see Kyle Ruschell in the US Olympic Trials anytime soon?

A. My goals have always been the same since seventh grade when I wrote them out. So I still have the goal of being a national champion in college and to make the Olympic/ World team. I need to train and learn a lot to make the Olympic/ World team but that is the same with everything.

Q. What message or advice would you give to current middle and high school wrestlers?

A. What I would like to say is don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do something. When I first got to college I heard from so many people, “oh this kid is from Kentucky why did we pick this kid up.” That and I always love proving people wrong. Other than that you need to wrestle the best to beat the best, so don’t be scared to lose to someone in practice or in a match, you will find out what you need to work on, where you sit, and you will learn more.

Kyle is a great role model for Kentucky Wrestlers on and off the mat. Below is a video link of the UW Season Highlights in which Kyle is shown throughout.

http://www.uwbadgers.com/video/default.aspx?mid=3379

Five Star Wrestling Club Practice Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Beginning Monday, June 1st, The Five Star Wrestling will be practicing at Lafayette High School in the green field house attached to the baseball field behind the high school. Practices will be held on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Beginning Tuesday, June 9th, we will add additional practice times on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Please bring water or Gatorade because the building tends to get hot in the summer. We look forward to seeing you at practice.

Remember – “Everyone has the will to win, but few have the will to prepare to win.”

This is where you win in the winter.

Coach McCoy and the Five Star Wrestling Staff

Wrestling Technique Tip of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:07:00 +0000

We have all taken bad shots and ended up in a battle that we did not want to be in. In this wrestling technique clip Cael Sanderson shows how to finish a shot when the opponent sprawls and the shooter is stuck with their head down.

Ask the Official

noreply@blogger.com (Garrett Pikul) — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:04:00 +0000

My name is Garrett Pikul and I am a wrestling official from Louisville. I am a certified KHSAA and IHSAA official as well as a freestyle and greco-roman mat official with Kentucky USA Wrestling. I will be posting blogs pertaining to rules, scenarios, and interpretations concerning all three major styles of wrestling (Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman).

First, I was very glad to see the turnout that we had for our Freestyle, Greco, and Sombo State Tournament this past weekend at Louisville Central HS. Freestyle and Greco WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER FOLKSTYLE WRESTLER. We are looking at adding more freestyle to next years USA wrestling schedule.

Wrestler, coaches, officials, parents, and fans, please e-mail so that I can begin posting blogs on your questions and/or concerns about wrestling. You can e-mail me at either gpikul@hotmail.com (primary) or garrettpikul@gmail.com (secondary). I looking forward to hearing from you and look forward to some great discussions.

Wrestling Technique Tip of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:14:00 +0000

This weeks tip comes from Steve Martin's Granby Scool of Wrestling. In this clip, the demonstators show how to hit a power stand-up effectively. The power stand-up is one of the basic moves nittfan mentioned in an earlier post that will help wrestlers be successful. The important part of the video is the power stand-up. Do not focus on the standing granby and other moves shown until this move is mastered.

Basics Go A Long Way

noreply@blogger.com (nittfan) — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Coming into wrestling you may find many people want to show you so many things. These days wrestling has become very advanced and there are a large amount of technical moves out there to try and master. The thing is wrestling has been around for hundreds of years and many of the simple, basic moves are tried and true.

To be a great wrestler it may be as simple as training hard on a few simple moves. In wrestling there are three positions in top, bottom, and neutral. If you can master two moves at each position you will be very dominant versus almost any opponent.

Find the two you are most comfortable within each position. From there you want to make it where you can go from either side on top or on your feet. From any setup or if on bottom you have to be ready to hit your move no matter which side the top lines up.

The main thing is to keep it simple and practice your main basic moves until you don't have to think about hitting them correctly anymore. Two moves like that in each position will make you a champion. GUARANTEED!

Realignment and State Duals Update

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:00:00 +0000

The KHSAA Coaches Advisory Committee was scheduled to meet on April 20th to discuss realigning our regions. Several options were discussed amongst coaches at the State Tournament privately including expanding to more regions, just making some minor moves, and completely reorganizing most of the regions geographically. Unfortunately, the meeting was cancelled because of some other issues that were being addressed first. I am in a region that needs realignment just as bad as anyone but I do understand that there are some more prevalent issues to be addressed. One of them should be passed at the end of this month. We will discuss realignment at our next meeting in the fall but nothing will be changed for the upcoming season unless it is very minor.

I was also working on a proposal to move the State Duals to after the State Tournament to draw more attention to the tournament and make it a premier event in the state. I met with the KHSAA and had the proposal started but realized that if our coaches do not support it than it would not pass. I surveyed all of the coaches in the state and found that most do not support the move at this time. There were several in favor but not enough to move forward. Again, if the coaches do not push for it, than it is a wasted effort. The KWCA State Duals will remain on the same weekend it has in the past falling on January 30th, 2010 this upcoming season. Henry Clay will be the host in what should be one of the better tournaments in some time with several teams improving over the past few years.

One final note, there could be a big change coming from the KHSAA regarding wrestling in the next few weeks. Stay posted to Kentucky Wrestling News when the news breaks for the details.

Defender of the Mat Results

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:22:00 +0000

This past weekend, Bryan Station hosted the Defender of the Mat Folkstyle Tournament. There over 100 participants that competed from Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. There were several great matches and the competition was great for all that participated.

Bantan 40
1st - Keegan Connin

Bantam 45
1st - Kaden Connin
2nd - Zander Bunch

Bantam 55
1st - David Clark

Intermediate 65
1st - Michael Mattox

Intermediate 75
1st - Jake Meredith

Intermediate 95
1st - Dalton Dowdle

Intermediate 112
1st - Dalton Jett

Intermediate 125
1st - Nicole Riedling

Novice 75
1st - Tucker Hurst

Novice 80
1st - Logan Erdman
2nd - Samual Williams

Novice 90
1st - John Shirkey

Novice 95
1st - Dominic Lampe
2nd - Jonathan Stallman

Novice 100
1st - Colin Coy

Novice 120
1st - Tinker Riedling

Schoolboy 77
1st - Jacob Maguire

Schoolboy 91
1st - Christopher Abernathy

Schoolboy 98
1st - Justin Lampe
2nd - Clyde Newcomer
3rd - Rebecca Maguire

Schoolboy 105
1st - Daniel Lannum
2nd - Jacob Smith
3rd - Bradley Pokuta

Schoolboy 112
1st - Josh Powell
2nd - TJ Bancom

Schoolboy 125
1st - Nathan Doss

Schoolboy 135
1st - Seth Pile

Schoolboy 144
1st - Wyatt Courtney
2nd - Storm Savage
3rd - Alexis Styles

Schoolboy 152
1st - Richard Cote
2nd - John Clark
3rd - Tyson Gregory

Schoolboy 160
1st - Darius Parrott

Schoolboy 190
1st - Jacob Cundiff

Schoolboy 265
1st - Michael Jones
2nd - Jacob Todd

Cadet 91
1st - Matt Cantin

Cadet 102
1st - Ryan Norbury

Cadet 112
1st - Hunter Barker
2nd - Lance Kelly

Cadet 119
1st - James Bond
2nd - Gabe McIlrath
3rd - Kortland maguire
4th - Ross Hunter
5th - Corey Johnson

Cadet 125
1st - Antonio lopez

Cadet 130
1st - Nick Waits

Cadet 135
1st - Kyle Honeycutt
2nd - Tevon Clay
3rd - Josh Lopez

Cadet 140
1st - Jacob Smith
2nd - Kyle Bunch

Cadet 145
1st - Alex Pearson
2nd - Draven Puffenbarger
3rd - Zach Bogard

Cadet 152
1st - John Lampe
2nd - Jt Gressler
3rd - Chad Goodrich
4th - Colin Wilkins

Cadet 189
1st - Ian Korb

Cadet 285
1st - Christian Wilkins
2nd - Elliot Porter

Junior 112
1st - Lance Kelly

Junior 119
1st - Camden Hanley
2nd - Ross Hunter

Junior 125
1st - Jimmy Lacy
2nd - Mack Logsdon
3rd - James Childress

Junior 130
1st - Brandon Abney

Junior 135
1st - Christian Kerr
2nd - Robbie Vanderpool

Junior 140
1st - Kyle Terry
2nd - Corey McCall
3rd - Will Bryant

Junior 145
1st - Justin Giuffrida
2nd - Greg Stratman
3rd - Korey Belew
4th - Patrick Blevins

Junior 152
1st - Jordan Murphy
2nd - Daniel Urban
3rd - Patrick Bunch

Junior 160 Group A
1st - Samual Conners
2nd - Russell Rowland
3rd - Kyle Wieland
3rd - Joshua Taylor
3rd - Willaim Powell

Junior 160 Group B
1st - Dane Niday
2nd - Justin Marshall
3rd - Stephen Kimbrell

Junior 171
1st - James Shinault

Junior 189
1st - Sean Garcia
2nd - Dustin Thompson
3rd - Sam Bryant

Junior 215
1st - Steven House

Junior 285
1st - Matt Wocher
2nd - Brandon Gressler
3rd - Chris Jones

University 174
1st - Jeff Perdue

Senior 163
1st - Charlie Kowalczuk
2nd - David Lannum

Wrestling Technique Tip of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:10:00 +0000

This weeks focus is keeping your head up on your shots. Cary Kolat from Kolat.com shows a good drill in working on keeping your head up during your shots. A lot of wrestlers just dive in and get in bad position and situations simply by not keeping their head up. Try this drill in your wrestling room and see how much your shots improve in practice and in matches.

Healthy Energy Drink and Fundraising Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 07 May 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Efusjon is a new energy drink on the market that includes the energy supplements from the acai berry. The acai berry is one of the top ten natural fruits that provides high levels of energy. Research shows that the acai berry may fight cancer, increase energy, and aid in weight loss. Efusjon also provides entrepeneurs and clubs the opportunity to make money by promoting and using their product. I have heard great things about this product and in tough times, this is a great way to make money for your program while absorbing the benefits of a caffeine free, natural energy drink. For more information about the product and how to get involved visit: http://www.myefusjon.com/garrisonheadley or contact Garrett Headley at 859-333-1629.

Wrestling Technique Tip of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:49:00 +0000

This week's Technique Tips are from Lehigh University. Often times we focus on neutral and winning with takedowns but fail to master top and bottom. This week the focus is on how to win at the bottom position and being in good position.

KHSAA Rules Changes Could be Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:41:00 +0000

The KHSAA may be making some very favorable rules changes within the next few weeks. I cannot elaborate on the extent of the rules changes but I can say that it is one that is long needed for Kentucky Wrestling to continue to grow. The rule change has passed through all but two of the steps needed to be changed and has made it through what appears to be toughest steps to get through. The rule is expected to be changed at the end of May so stay tuned to Kentucky Wrestling News for updates as I receive them.

Wrestling Technique Tip of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:33:00 +0000

More Freestyle from Kolat .com

Ohio Tournament of Champions

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Over 3,000 wrestlers competed in Columbus, Ohio over this past weekend in the Ohio Tournament of Champions. This is one of the biggest one day tournaments in the nation. The tournament takes place in the Columbus Convention Center on 30 mats. I have been to this tournament and can say that is truly one of the best run and most competitive tournaments in the nation. 31 Kentucky wrestlers made the trip to compete with four placing in the top 8. Below is a list of Ohio Tournament of Champions placers since 2001. As you can see, there are 19 State Placers including 10 State Champions. Tournaments like this in the summer help build Winter Champions. The proof is in the number of State Placers and State Champions who participate in these big time tournaments. It is very important that more wrestlers give these caliber of tournaments a try to help build the competition in the State of Kentucky as well as building a name for yourself.

Ohio Tournament of Champions Placers
2001 - Brad Cooper - Cadet 124 - 3rd*
2002 - Brad Hitchings - Junior 90 - 6th*
2002 - Curtis Dages - Junior 160 - 3rd
2003 - Trey Morlatt - Schoolboy 108 - 7th
2004 - Justin Pitcher - Schoolboy 105 - 5th
2004 - John Wolsiefer - Schoolboy 140 - Runner-up*
2005 - John Wolsiefer - Cadet 152 - 7th
2005 - Stan Stone - Elite 190 - 6th
2005 - Dale Stone - Elite 220 - Runner-up
2006 - Matt Fahy - Junior 68 - 4th
2006 - John Fahy - Junior 74 - 4th*
2007 - Brock Ervin - Junior 71 - 4th
2007 - Matt Fahy - Junior 80 - 7th
2007 - Daniel Wolnitzek - Junior 165 - 3rd
2007 - John Fahy - Schoolboy 84 - 3rd
2007 - Josh Johnson - Cadet 130 - 5th*
2007 - Luke Ervin - Cadet 140 - 7th*
2007 - Mitch Ervin - Elite 160 - 5th*
2008 - Brock Ervin - Schoolboy 75 - 4th
2008 - Garth Yenter - Schoolboy 80 - 7th
2008 - John Fahy - Schoolboy 100 - 3rd
2008 - Kevin Cooper - Schoolboy 120 - 6th
2008 - Jordan Murphy - Cadet 138 - 4th
2008 - Tanner Wedding - Elite 171 - 7th
2009 - Kevin Cooper - Schoolboy 126 - Runner-up
2009 - Cecil Clardy - Cadet 92 - 4th
2009 - Garth Yenter - Cadet 98 - 7th
2009 - Dee Leavell - Elite 119 - 6th
2009 - Jake Ilg - Elite 220 - 3rd
* KHSAA State Champion

Upcoming National Tournaments

ASICS / Vaughan Junior & Cadet National Championships
http://www.themat.com/events/default.php?page=default&EventID=19998

U.S. Army Midwest Nationals
http://www.statefarmmidwestnationals.com/

Super 32 Challenge
http://www.super32.com

Why Wrestle Freestyle?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:57:00 +0000

This year I have decided to get my wrestlers more involved with wrestling Freestyle. Freestyle provides many great attributes to wrestling Folkstyle. One, it helps you be better on your feet. You have to be aware of throw situations and work to get your opponent to the mat so you can begin to score with gut wrenches, etc. Two, it makes you more aware of your back. In Folkstyle there is a two count if your back is exposed before the pin is called. In Freestyle if your back touches, it is match over. Finally it helps build your five point moves and learn how to defend them. Five point moves end a Freestyle match so you have to work to avoid them. There are several other reasons Freestyle is important. The other day in club practice, a wrestler from another team came up to me and said, "Coach, why are you having your kids learn Freestyle? They will never use it?" I understand his concern because most of the tournaments in Kentucky during the summer are Folkstyle but read the excerpt below from Zeke Jones and you will understand the importance of this style.

WHY WRESTLE FREESTYLE?

Zeke Jones
Head Coach, 1999 World Cup Team
Head Coach, 2001 USA World Team
Head Coach, 2003 Pam American Games Team
Former Assistant Coach, West Virginia University
Head Coach, University of Pennsylvania

WHAT WILL FREESTYLE WRESTLING DO FOR YOU?

1. Freestyle wrestling is Fun. It is very exciting, creative, and dynamic because you can score points from almost anywhere. You will receive more points for a spectacular throw, 5 points, than you do a normal takedown, 1 point. Freestyle takes less control of your opponent to score points. Flip him to his back and get two points. You don't even have to hold him on his back to score but if you do you will get more points. Throw a guy over your head, which is legal, and you will score 5 points for grand amplitude. Many wrestlers that we have spoke to love freestyle because its fast, exciting, and it was easier to score points. Most freestyle matches also are mostly on your feet in the neutral position. Everyone loves to go takedowns. That's 80% of freestyle wrestling.

2. If your goal is to be a state champion or state placer, (or a great referee or coach) and a lofty goal I might add, freestyle increases your chances dramatically. If one wrestler is getting 40 matches a year in the high school or junior high season and 30 matches in the freestyle season whom do you think is going to get better at a faster rate? More matches will improve your technique, skill, and mat strategy. More minutes on the mat = more wins. Are your high school or junior high opponents going to these tournaments and getting ahead of you? The best wrestlers in the state are going to these tournaments. Are you going?

3. Freestyle wrestling allows the best kids in the state a chance to compete against the best in the nation. Most of the best tournaments in the nation are freestyle wrestling. Now, with the addition of freestyle wrestling in our state, West Virginia wrestlers will be able to compete with the best in the nation.

4. Freestyle wrestling will increase your opportunity to earn a college wrestling scholarship. Because most of the NCAA Division I college coaches recruit at The Junior Nationals, a freestyle and Greco-Roman event in Fargo, ND, the need to learn and excel in freestyle wrestling, is even more important. Unless you are a multiple high school state champion from Pennsylvania, Ohio, or New York you will need to wrestle freestyle to gain the exposure so college coaches will believe you can compete at a national level. Beat a state champion from Pennsylvania, Ohio, or New York in a freestyle tournament and you will receive strong consideration for a college wrestling scholarship. In other words, if you are a West Virginia, Arizona, or Nevada State champion your chances of getting a wrestling scholarship is minimal to none. Wrestle freestyle and increase your chances of earning a scholarship dramatically. We, at West Virginia University, need to know that you can compete against the best in the nation before we will feel comfortable offering you scholarship money. If you want to earn a scholarship to WVU learn to wrestle freestyle. We want wrestlers that want to wrestle beyond college to try to become World and Olympic Champions here at WVU. That helps our program. Freestyle and Greco Roman are the only wrestling done in the Olympic Games.

The time is now to learn freestyle wrestling. Whether you just want to improve your wrestling technique and skill, want to become a state placer or champion, or even want to become a World and Olympic Champion, freestyle wrestling is mandatory to become successful. If you have high wrestling goals freestyle wrestling must be a part of your yearly wrestling plan. We are committed to helping you learn freestyle and you, we're sure, will find it exciting. We look forward to seeing you at the freestyle tournaments!

Sincerely,
Coach Jones

Besides all of the reasons to help you as a wrestler, Freestyle matches are very exciting to watch.

Wrestling Technique Tip of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Every week I plan to post a video showing technique tips provided by several great resources from my personal collection and found on the internet. The first technique I chose deals with Freestyle since it is Freestyle Season. In this clip from Kolat.com, Cary Kolat demonstrates how to hit a inside grip hip toss from a single leg.

Caleb Ervin, JJ Jude, and Kary Goff - 2009 NHSCA All-Americans

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:41:00 +0000

The 2009 National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) National Championships took place earlier this month and Kentucky left Virginia Beach with three All-Americans including the states first National Champion with Caleb Ervin (Union County) at 135 lbs. in the Sophomore Division.

Since the NHSCA began the Senior Championships in 1990, Kentucky has had 11 All-Americans. This places Kentucky tied for 37th with Nebraska, Nevada, and Oregon. Idaho is the next state above us with 15 All-Americans. Georgia and New Hampshire are right on our heels with 10.

Kentucky NHSCA Senior Nationals All-Americans
1990 - Mike Migliaccio (Tates Creek) - 140 lbs. - Runner-up
1992 - Tony Condi (Henry Clay) - 125 lbs. - 7th
1992 - Rob Rickman (Lafayette) - 152 lbs. - 5th
1993 - Frank Wolnitzek (Holmes) - 275 lbs. - 5th
1994 - Stephen Kaiser (Simon Kenton) - 135 lbs. - 5th
1996 - Jason Talbott (Oldham County) - 119 lbs. - 8th
1996 - Jason Walls (Union County) - 152 lbs. - 6th
1997 - Joe Carr Jr. (Woodford County) - 145 lbs. - Runner-up
1999 - Chad Hayden (Franklin County) - 103 lbs. - 5th
2005 - Kyle Ruschell (Ryle) - 112 lbs. - 3rd
2009 - Kary Goff (Seneca) - 103 lbs. - 7th

Kentucky has also been well represented in the NHSCA Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman National Championships. Since the Junior Nationals began in 2005, Kentucky has had 2 All-Americans. In 2006, the NHSCA began the Sophomore Nationals and since than Kentucky has produced 6 All-Americans in this division. The Freshman Nationals began in 2007 and Kentucky has produced 4 All-Americans in this division.

Kentucky NHSCA Junior All-Americans
2007 - Elliot Martin (Seneca) - 103 lbs. - 8th
2008 - Dusty Brown (Campbell County) - 140 lbs. - 8th

Kentucky NHSCA Sophomore All-Americans
2006 - Bryan Peace (Ryle) - 130 lbs. - Runner-up
2006 - Josh Ashbrook (Harrison County) - 135 lbs. - 8th
2006 - Beau Sanders (Harrison County) - 140 lbs. - 8th
2007 - Harrison Courtney (Woodford County) - 145 lbs. - 3rd
2008 - Myron Bradbury (Louisville Trinity) - 103 lbs. - Runner-up
2009 - Caleb Ervin (Union County) - 135 lbs. - National Champion

Kentucky NHSCA Freshman All-Americans
2007 - Josh Johnson (John Hardin) - 125 lbs. - 5th
2007 - Korey Shotwell (Campbell County) - 135 lbs. - 5th
2008 - Connor Coyle (Ryle) - 152 lbs. - 6th
2009 - JJ Jude (Johnson Central) - 152 lbs. - 3rd

Welcome to Kentucky Westling News

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCoy) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:55:00 +0000

Welcome to Kentucky Wrestling News. My name is Chris McCoy and I am the Head Wrestling Coach at Lafayette High School. I also work very closely with USA Wrestling and the KHSAA to help build wrestling in the commonwealth. The purpose of this blog is to provide daily updates and thoughts on Amateur Wrestling in Kentucky and Nationwide. I hope all that visit, enjoy the site and share the passion that I have for Kentucky Wrestling.