Wrestling Blogs - Jim Brown

Several weeks ago the management at flowrestling decided to "de-list" my blog. That means that I am no longer listed on the "Blogs" drop down menu. The reason given was that they didn't feel they could support all of the wrestling causes that I do.

Until now my flowrestlr friends were still able to view the blogs by coming to my profile page. I will not be posting the blogs here any longer.

If you still wish to read them. I will continue to post them every Monday morning on blogger.com

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A glossary of wrestling terms for the new fan


Takedown – what you do with any Tom Brands quote if you are a smart sports writer.


Single – what a wrestler is destined to be if not showering after every workout.


Reversal – The Steve Mocco transfer from Iowa to Oklahoma State as opposed to the Ray Brinzer transfer from Oklahoma State to Iowa.


Pin – sadly, what you can hear drop at many college dual wrestling meets.
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Don’t know much about history





I swapped a couple of emails with Mark Palmer Saturday. Mark is a staff writer for revwrestling.com whose Rev Rewind articles are among my favorite writings about the history of wrestling. (Mark’s latest is about Harold Henson, the first African-American to wrestle in the NCAA championships:


http://revwrestling.com/articles/3721/Rev-Rewind-Harold-Henson


From our online discussions came a question, “Just how important is it for young wrestlers and fans to know the history of the oldest sport in… more »

A fan is a fan, is a fan

… and wrestling is wrestling.

I attended the 2008 wrestling Dream Team Classic in Iowa City Saturday night. The twelve-year-old event pits a team of national high school all stars against an all-star team from the host state. This year’s edition featured 13 of the 14 nationally number-one rated wrestlers and had two #1 vs. #2 matches. For complete results see The Predicament at http://www.thepredicament.com.

The West High School gym was almost completely full and it was an interesting mix of fans. Since… more »

This and that

Adam Frey

Shortly after the NCAA Championships Cornell University wrestler, Adam Frey, was in a car accident. His injuries were not life threatening, but an MRI revealed three tumors that subsequent testing revealed to be Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Danielle Hobeika immediately spread the word and created a website for Adam who is sharing his battle with the world through his blog. Please take a few minutes and visit the site and pass along your words of encouragement.

www.adamfrey.us

His family may also need help with the… more »

Russ Hodges’ home run call is one of the most famous in all of American sports history – so famous that the home run is often called the “shot heard ‘round the world”.

In 1981, in a dual wrestling meet, Iowa Public Television’s Doug Brown made a call that might be called the “pin heard ‘round Iowa” - “Osenbaugh has Banach in trouble! Banach is in trouble”. Up to that point Iowa State was winning the dual, but a pin by Iowa heavyweight, Lou Banach, would snatch the victory for the number-one-ranked Hawkeyes.… more »

First annual View from Section GG college wrestling awards

The college wrestling season is over and much has happened. All of the traditional awards have been handed out except the Hodge Trophy (Tervel Dlagnev?). This week I begin what I hope will become a tradition (if anyone keeps reading that long).

The, “Well, I guess he really is that good”, award

After almost three years of anticipation and message board hype we all learned that Brent Metcalf is a special athlete. His NCAA finals performance was dominating and he was named… more »

An interview with Chad Zaputil

In the early ‘90s Chad Zaputil was the leadoff man for what might be considered the “Murderer’s Row” of college wrestling: Chad, Terry Brands, Tom Brands, Troy Steiner and Terry Steiner (11 NCAA finals and 7 titles). Recently I encountered Chad through a mutual interest in saving University of Oregon Wrestling. He graciously allowed me to interview him. To kick off NCAA Championship week – here’s the interview.

What made you want to attend the University of Iowa?

The biggest reason was of course because… more »

Because they care

I wish that two of the “enemies” of University of Oregon wrestling had been in Cedar Rapids this weekend. In one of his comments justifying the elimination of the Duck wrestling team, U of O athletic director, Pat Kilkenny, said that, “wrestling is no longer relevant” (to today’s college student). In a recent article in the Oregon Daily Emerald, sports reporter Jeffrey Dransfeldt, implied that no one cares about wrestling.

http://media.www.dailyemerald.com/media/storage/paper859/news/2008/02/19/Sports/Wrestling.Is.Being.Cut.But.Do.You.or.I.Really.Care-3218598.shtml

Well Mr. Kilkenny and Mr. Dransfeldt – I sure wish you had been here for the NCAA… more »

The match-up

The internet has been good for wrestling. The abundance of fan forums, live match streaming, youtube and flowrestling have all served to heighten interest in the sport. The potential match-up between Brent Metcalf and Dustin Schlatter has been one of the hottest college wrestling topics on the ‘net for the past two years.

Both came out of high school with legendary prep careers – and in fact – they wrestled – and split – high school “all-star”matches. Schlatter chose to join his brother CP with J Robinson at the University of Minnesota… more »

Wow – look at that big metal tree!



or

How to get the most out of your trip to Cedar Rapids.



As of this morning the field is set for the 2008 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships at the US Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, IA on March 7 & 8.

Next Monday at this time we’ll know the Division II wrestlers that will be coming to the same venue exactly one week later (March 14 & 15).
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The NCAA Division III National Championships in Cedar Rapids are less than three weeks away. You regular blog readers may remember that in my January 21st blog I announced the “What I love most about college wrestling” essay contest. The quality of the entries was excellent and, in the end, I couldn’t pick just one winner. Entries came in from both fans and wrestlers and I’ve selected a winner from each of those categories.

Both winners will receive two all-session tickets to the Division III Championships, a three-night stay in the Cedar Rapids Marriott and two tickets… more »

Dan Gable did not invent wrestling…

neither did John Smith, nor did Cael Sanderson nor did J Robinson.

Socrates said approximately 2,500 years ago, “I swear it upon Zeus, the outstanding runner cannot be the equal of the average wrestler.”

“Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the world’s oldest and greatest sport.” With those words, Ed Aliverti kicked off countless wrestling tournaments.

Ask any ten baseball fans between the ages of 18 and 29 who ranks 3rd in career home runs and I’ll wager that at least seven can… more »

I’ll take, “Wrestling”, for $200, Alex

Here’s our first ever trivia contest. The first three people to message, comment or email me (jim@dmsolutions4u.com) all of the correct answers will win free 1-year subscriptions to W.I.N. Magazine. All others correct entrants will be listed in next week’s blog.

1. Who was the first African-American to win an NCAA individual championship?

2. Who was the first African-American to coach a team to the NCAA Division I team championship?

3. Who was the first woman inducted as a Distinguished Member into… more »

Things that make me smile


These blogs are frequently about the concerns I have for the future of amateur wrestling – especially at the collegiate level. Lest I perpetuate a “gloom-and-doom” attitude, here are some bright spots from this season





Record attendance at CMU

4,273 fans attended the Central Michigan University/University of Michigan dual meet at Rose Arena on the CMU campus. Last season the Wolverines averaged 1,159 fans in attendance for home dual meets and the Chippewas just 827. A… more »

Cedar Rapids, IA – The City of Five Seasons

Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring
Wrestling*

That’s right – the fifth season in Cedar Rapids this year is the wrestling season. The US Cellular Center will be home to the 2008 NCAA Division III wrestling championships on March 7 & 8 and will then also be the site of the Division II tournament the following week (March 14 & 15).

The average sports trivia buff might be able to tell you that former NFL MVP, Kurt Warner, and 2007… more »

I attended the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in Cedar Falls, IA this weekend. This event has always been one of my favorites because most of the best schools from every division of college wrestling compete. For one weekend the UNI Dome becomes the melting pot of wrestling. Among those attending are some of the most frequent posters on wrestling forums across the nation. Saturday evening after day 1 I had a chance to meet a few of them face-to-face while enjoying a Dutch beverage at The Other Place.




Hammerlock125
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We love wrestling in Iowa. Every year the high school tournament sells out within a day or two of the opening of ticket sales and then all three division finals are shown live on broadcast network affiliates throughout the state.

Saturday night the Oklahoma State Cowboys came to Carver Hawkeye Arena on the University of Iowa campus for a dual meet with the Hawkeyes. As you probably know, this meet matches up the two most successful programs in the history of American college wrestling. Coach John Smith’s Cowboys controlled the tempo, won all of the key tossup… more »

Midlands

The 45th Midlands Championships are in the books and the Iowa Hawkeyes won the team title with 185 points and four champions. The long odyssey of the “Super Sophomores” (Thank you, Jon Miller of HawkeyeNation Magazine, for coining the term.) is beginning to pay off both for them and for the team. The three young men who followed coach Tom Brands from Linn County, Iowa to Blacksburg, VA and then back to Iowa City (Joe Slaton, Cedar Rapids Kennedy HS; Dan LeClere, North Linn HS and Jay Borschel, Linn-Mar HS) all wrestled better than anticipated by… more »

What’s the difference between a fan and a supporter? Seventh grade humor aside, to my mind, there is a clear difference. A fan takes and a supporter gives. Haven’t we been taught since we were kids that it’s better to give than to receive? It’s the season for giving and here are some opportunities for you to give to the sport of wrestling.

From past blogs

Save Oregon Wrestling – The athletic director at the University of Oregon has decided to drop wrestling from the university’s roster of sports. A group of concerned fans… more »

A Wrestling Carol

Scene 1 Copperfield College wrestling coach, Bob Coachit, is working with his team on Christmas Eve. Tim Tinny, his 125 pounder, is leaning on crutches watching the practice (knee surgery). Enter athletic director Ebenezer Kilwrestling.

Kilwrestling: “Coach, can I see you in your office, please?”

Coachit: “Sure, boss, what’s up?”

Kilwrestling: “Let’s wait until we get in your office.”

They enter Coachit’s office and Kilwrestling closes the door.

Kilwrestling: “Bob, I’ve come to a decision – what with proportionality,… more »

Another Iowa/Iowa State wrestling dual meet is in the books and the Hawkeyes have prevailed. There is a strong possibility that they will move into the number one spot in the rankings especially since Oklahoma State lost.

With 9,000 fans in attendance the meet was a sellout – sort of. Iowa State has chosen to “curtain off” 5,000 seats in Hilton Coliseum to create a more “intimate” atmosphere for wrestling meets. They also moved the mat completely to one end so that the view would be better for all attendees – but especially for season ticket… more »

Just in time for the holiday season we are proud to offer the following.




Safety Pins

A unique gift for your favorite young wrestler, these colorful safety pins are ideal for letter sweater/jacket adornment. Also available in the

Bruce Kinseth 9-pack – the perfect size for back-to-back major tournaments

Or

The Wade Schalles 530-count bag – guaranteed to last a lifetime.







“The John Smith… more »

Sports fans know voices – Harry Carey, Jack Buck, Al Michaels, John Madden (or is it Frank Caliendo?) – we can immediately recognize those voices. For fans of amateur wrestling it’s not quite the same. You know the voices, but you may not know the names – Ed Winger, Doug Brown, Ed Aliverti … and Sandy Stevens.

You may not know Sandy’s name and you may not know what she looks like, but if you’re a wrestling fan – you know her voice. I’ll let Sandy’s National Wrestling Hall of Fame biography tell the story.
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I love NCAA Division III athletes (my daughter was one). They are perhaps nearest to the idealized concept of "student athlete" of all those that participate in college athletics. Without benefit of athletic financial aid, they choose to compete primarily for one reason : love of their sport.

Saturday I attended the Coe College (IA) Turkey Open wrestling tournament. You can only watch internet wrestling videos so long before withdrawal sets in. You must see live wrestling.

A small-college wrestling tournament has a different feel than a larger event like the Kaufman-Brand Open… more »

I’m going way out on a limb and make some predictions for the 2007-2008 wrestling season.

1. Jake Herbert will not win an NCAA championship in 2008. Nor will he win an Architectural Digest home decorating award.




2. Mike Allen will have bigger biceps than all of the other officials at the NCAA tournament – and many of the wrestlers.



3. The NCAA champion will be located within 125 miles of Interstate 35.

4. At some point during… more »

Tom Shanahan, a writer for the Voice of San Diego was once interviewing University of Minnesota wrestling coach J Robinson and asked him about his military service (Robinson served as an Army Ranger in Viet Nam). Shanahan said, “Army Ranger, that’s like a Navy SEAL, right?” Robinson glared at him and said, “Yeah, but tougher.”

We often speak of athletes as heroes because of their accomplishments in competition. I am as guilty of this as anyone. I frequently cite Dan Gable as one of my “heroes” (see my myspace profile). Next Sunday we honor America’s military veterans.… more »

I generally consider myself to be among the more militant advocates for the growth of wrestling. Then Al Bevilacqua sent me an email, slapped me in the head and said, “Wake up!” Al was the successful, long-time wrestling coach at Massapequa High School in Long Island, New York. He was also the 2005 USA Wrestling Man of the Year, primarily because his work as Pesident of the “Beat the Streets Inc.program.

http://www.beat-the-streets.org

Here’s the cold water Al threw in my face, “Over 60% of the country does not have access to any form of… more »

The following was posted on one of the wrestling forums I frequent. Friends, those two lovely young women you see in my profile photo and I once lost our home to fire. I vividly remember the outpouring of help and support we got from family, friends and the community afterwards. Let’s show this coach and his kids the kind of people that are in the wrestling community. I’m writing a check as soon as this is posted – what about you?

”From: Garrison, Scott A [mailto:SAGarrison@hammond.k12.in.us]
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 12:50 PM
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A conversation with Mike Duroe – part 2

When you enter the lobby of the Cornell College gymnasium it resembles dozens of other small college or high school gyms – right down to the trophy case. However, if you’re a wrestling fan you’ll notice a couple of astonishing exceptions. First, there are the two national championship trophies from 1947 – the NCAA and the AAU. Then there are the induction plaques from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum for Distinguished Members coach Paul Scott and wrestler Lloyd Appleton (Coach Richard Barker and wrestler Lowell Lange… more »

A conversation with Mike Duroe – part 1

I had no idea what to expect when I sat down in Mike Duroe’s office to “chat about wrestling”. Mike is the head wrestling coach at Cornell College and has coached at all levels of the sport since 1980 - including serving on the staffs of three Olympic teams and as the national resident freestyle coach at the Olympic Training Center.

It doesn’t take long before the passion becomes evident. He just simply loves wrestling and loves teaching it. He also wants to see the sport… more »

Flowrestling

Martin Floreani must certainly be working harder than anyone in the country to promote wrestling. If you’re a wrestling fan and haven’t yet been to www.flowrestling.com - go now. It’s a treasure trove of match videos (including the 1972 Olympics), unique interviews, photographs and articles. Martin’s series of video interviews with national team members and coaches leading up to Baku were stirring.

Here’s a sample.

http://www.flocasts.org/flowrestling/matches.php?vid=4587

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum

This is a “must visit” for any wrestling fan. The… more »

The first college wrestling matches are about a month away. Here are some things I hope I’ll see this year.

Record-breaking attendance nationwide

There are only two certainties – The DI Nationals will sell out and the University of Iowa will lead the nation in dual meet attendance. My first hope is for attendance at the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic to top 8,900. Have you bought your tickets yet? Go to http://www.nwcaonline.com/allstarclassic.cfm to order. Remember that if you want to support this pivotal event in the fight to save University of… more »

The 2007-08 college wrestling season is fast approaching. Official practices begin this weekend for many schools and the first meets are just a few weeks away. If they haven’t already done so, wrestlers and teams will soon be setting season goals for themselves.

Why shouldn’t we fans also set goals for ourselves? I have.

1. I will help increase attendance at college meets all over the country.
2. I will help reverse the trend of wrestling program elimination – not just stop the elimination – but do anything I can to help schools… more »

The world championships begin today in Baku. Let’s just watch and celebrate some American gold medal wins from the ‘90s.

1991 Zeke Jones vs. Valentin Jordanov



1993 Tom Brands vs. Reynoso



1998 Sammie Henson vs. Namik Abdullaev



1999 Stephen Neal vs. Andrei Shumilin


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Wrestler, photographer, web designer, activist – meet Danielle Hobeika.

I “met” Danielle while searching the internet for a way to join the fight against the planned elimination of the University of Oregon wrestling team. Sure enough, I found www.saveoregonwrestling.com. I clicked on the webmaster link to see who had gotten a website that good up that quickly – and found Danielle. Since then we’ve communicated online a few times and I asked if I might feature her on my wrestling blog.

Her interest in photography began early. “I was obsessed with (the) camera and… more »

There have been a lot of memorable moments in the 30+ years that I've been going to wrestling meets. Here's a short list of my favorites.

The first time I saw Dan Gable

In 1969 I rode with a friend to see Gable wrestle in a dual meet. I can't recall the opponent, but I do remember the double arm bars - and the pin.

Watching an acquaintance

Virginia Wohlers was a classmate of mine from the third grade until we graduated from high school. Her brother David,… more »

Growing up in Davenport, Iowa in 1960 I had never heard of Olympic wrestling – heck - I’d never even heard of the Olympics. I was ten years old and on every Monday in the summer, because the Davenport Times-Democrat published baseball statistics every Sunday, I could tell you the batting averages of Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews and the ERAs of Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette.

When school began we started reading about the Olympics in our Weekly Readers. I still remember how impressed I was reading about Wilma Rudolph. In those days we still… more »