ANNOUONCEMENTS


Thursday, February 27, 2014

Casco Bay Elite Registration Open


Program and Registration Information:
www.portlandyouthwrestling.com/casco-bay-elite/

Registration is now open for the Casco Bay Elite Freestyle & Greco club team. The team is open to experienced wrestlers in grades 3-12. The season runs from the end of March until the end of June. Team members will have 2 practices per week and have the opportunity to wrestle in tournaments including the ME Freestyle State Championships and Northeast Regional Championships in PA.

Many great wrestlers and coaches have discussed the benefits of wrestling Olympic styles. If wrestlers are serious about improving for their competitive winter season, practicing and competing with Casco Bay Elite will give them a great head start.

You can get more information about the program and download registration forms at: www.portlandyouthwrestling.com/casco-bay-elite/

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Most Inspiring Olympic Moments of All Time: 19. Rulon Gardner




Rulon
The Olympics is always a time for surprises and triumphs, but when it came to American Rulon Gardner's match against Russian Alexander Karelin, the result seemed almost set in stone. The three-time defending Olympic Champion Karelin hadn't lost a Greco-Roman wrestling match in 13 years (and hadn't given up a single point in the previous six). After an overtime thriller that saw Gardner withstand Karelin's legendary strength, the crowd — and competitors — could barely believe what had just happened: One of the greatest upsets in Olympic history.
Photo: Billy Stickland/Getty Images  

Friday, February 21, 2014

Annual Army-Navy Wrestling Match

The match will streamed live for free at: 

Click to view streamed live Army-Navy meet

Mids Seek Star in Annual Army-Navy Wrestling Match
Navy has won 13 in a row against the Black Knights.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. --  The Navy wrestling team will close out the regular season on Friday evening with the annual Star Match against arch rival Army.  The Midshipmen will look to capture their 14th consecutive win over the Black Knights when the two programs battle one another at Alumni Hall beginning at 7:00 pm.  Additionally, members of Navy's senior class and their families will be recognized in a prematch ceremony, while former Navy wrestling head coach Bruce Burnett will be honored midway through the match.

For those fans who are unable to attend Friday's match, a free live video stream will be available via the Patriot League Network at www.PatriotLeague.TV(.)

Navy has been the dominant team in the series, boasting a 47-5-5 series advantage including a 26-1-2 record in matches staged in Annapolis.  The Midshipmen have suffered just one setback (1997, 19-12) to Army in the last 51 matches, as Navy owns a spectacular 45-1-5 record during that span.

"It's a big weekend for our team and program," said Navy interim head coach Brian Antonelli.  "There has been a lot of alumni support through the last two weeks in emails and visits, but the guys have stayed focused and are looking forward to wrestling Friday night."

The Midshipmen, who enter the weekend with a 4-1 dual record (2-1 EIWA), are coming off a 34-8 victory over American in a match that saw the Mids win five of their eight matches by extra-point decisions (2 falls, 1 tech fall, 2 majors).

Six of the 10 wrestlers expected to take the mat Friday evening for the Midshipmen have previously wrestled in the annual Army-Navy tilt, including senior 141-pound Joe Locksmith (Kissimmee, Fla.).  Locksmith, who stands 15-12 over all and 2-2 in dual action this season, has posted a 1-2 record against the Black Knights.  He dropped a 5-1 decision as a freshman before coming back a year later to score a 5-3 victory at 149 pounds against Army's Ryan Bilyeu.  Last season Connor Hafaee dealt Locksmith an 8-5 loss.  Locksmith is 1-0 against Army this season, earning a 2-1 victory over Tyler Rauenzahn in the semifinals of the All-Academy Championship on Feb. 1.

Junior 197-pound Paul Rands (Cary, Ill.) has been one of Navy's most consistent wrestlers over the last two months.  He has amassed a 13-7 record this winter, including a 4-1 mark in dual action, and heads into Friday's match owning a six-match winning streak.  Last year Rands sat out as he competed as an unattached wrestler, but did get his feet wet his first season at the Academy in 2011-12.  Rands dropped a 4-1 decision to Derek Stanley, the older brother of Navy freshman heavyweight Evan Stanley.  Rands is also 1-0 against Army this season, beating Bryce Barnes, 4-1, for the title at the All-Academy Championship.

Senior Raymond Borja (Virginia Beach, Va.), juniors Colton Rasche (Plano, Ill.) and Peyton Walsh (Glen Allen, Md.) and sophomore Mathew Miller (Edgewood, Md.) all competed in last year's Army-Navy dual and will once again be on the mat this season.  Rasche earned a 3-1 victory over Army senior Jordan Thome, while Miller picked up a 5-3 win over Cole Gracey.  Meanwhile, Borja and Walsh will be looking to avenge losses in last year's dual.  Borja, who dropped a major decision to Daniel Young a year ago, earned a major decision over Mark Marchetti in the semifinals of the All-Academy Championship earlier this month.  Walsh, the lone wrestler on the roster with a flawless 5-0 mark in dual competition this season, scored a 2-1 decision over Chandler Smith in the semifinals of the All-Academy Championship.

Making their Star Match debut this weekend will be freshman Brenden Campbell (New Castle, Ind.) at 125 pounds, sophomore Bobby Burg (Gasport, N.Y.) at 157 pounds, senior team captain James Manner (Troy, Ohio)  at 184 pounds and junior heavyweight Colynn Cook (Murrysville, Pa.).

Army (8-3, 7-3 EIWA), who last defeated Navy on Feb. 22, 1997, has been idle since earning a 24-11 victory over Bucknell on Feb. 9. Junior 165-pound Chandler Smith, who boasts a 6-1 mark in dual matches, leads Army with 30 wins, seven major decisions and nine bonus-point victories. Sophomore 174-pound Brian Harvey is undefeated in dual competition with a 7-0 mark and stands 25-8 overall.  Meanwhile, senior 157-pound Paul Hancock has produced a team-best nine wins in dual matches (9-2) and owns a 23-10 overall mark.  He also leads Army with 11 bonus-point wins, including seven major decisions.

Navy leads the annual Army-Navy series this season with a 9-7 (.563) record, while also leading the Star Series, 10-9 (.526).  The following teams have the distinction of winning N-Stars for the Midshipmen this year (in chronological order) -- Women's Cross Country, Men's Soccer, Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving, Football, Women's Indoor Track & Field, Men's Indoor Track & Field, Gymnastics and Men's Basketball.

Projected Navy Lineup
• 125 - Brenden Campbell - Fr, New Castle, Ind. (9-10, 2-3) -OR- Dane Lemmon - Fr, California, Md. (0-6, 0-0)
• 133 - Colton Rasche - Jr, Plano, Ill. (21-9, 3-2) -OR- Jericho Urmenita - Sr, Auburn, Wash. (5-5, 0-0)
• 141 - Joe Locksmith - Sr, Kissimmee, Fla. (15-12, 2-2) -OR- Quentin Leadbeter - Jr, Owings, Md. (5-4, 1-0)
• 149 - Raymond Borja - Sr, Virginia Beach, Va. (9-5, 3-1) -OR- Alex Johnson - Sr, Memphis, Tenn. (10-5, 1-0)
• 157 - Bobby Burg - So., Gasport, N.Y. (14-5, 1-0) -OR- Zach Johnson - Sr, Memphis, Tenn. (8-12, 1-3)
• 165 - Peyton Walsh - Jr, Glen Allen, Va. (24-10, 5-0) -OR- John Keck - So, Wading River, N.Y. (7-8, 0-0)
• 174 - #11 Mathew Miller - So, Edgewood, Md. (16-4, 3-1) -OR- Johnny Watson - Sr, Lexington, N.C. (10-8, 1-0)
• 184 - James Mannier - Sr, Troy, Ohio (16-12, 2-2) -OR- William Miller - So, Chinook, Mont. (10-8, 0-1)
• 197 - Paul Rands - Jr, Cary, Ill. (13-7, 4-1)
• 285 - Colynn Cook - Jr, Murrysville, Pa. (13-14, 2-3) -OR- Brendan Kahle - Jr, Abingdon, Md. (2-5, 0-0)

Projected Army Lineup
• 125 - Hunter Wood - Jr, Fairmont, W.Va. (12-15, 6-4)
• 133 - Logan Everett - Fr, Tioga, Pa. (11-13, 5-3)
• 141 - Tyler Rauenzahn - Sr, Schuylkill Haven, Pa. (13-6, 8-3)
• 149 - Mark Marchetti - Fr, Nashville, Tenn. (10-18, 1-8)
• 157 - Paul Hancock - Sr, Dearborn, Mich. (23-10, 9-2)
• 165 - Chandler Smith - Jr, Kansas City, Mo. (30-10, 6-1) -OR- Cole Gracey - Jr, Tuttle, Okla. (21-12, 2-2)
• 174 - Brian Harvey - So, New Palestine, Ind. (25-8, 7-0)
• 184 - Ryan Tompkins - Sr, Beacon, N.Y. (20-8, 8-2)
• 197 - Bryce Barnes - So, Virginia Beach, Va. (18-10, 8-3)
• 285 - Trevor Smith - Fr, Ripon, Calif. (12-16, 0-3) -OR- Stephen Snyder - Jr, Woodbine, Md. (10-13, 1-4)


Father of Maine Wrestling: JOHN CARAMIHALIS

Considered the founding father of Maine Interscholastic Wrestling, John Caramihalis almost single-handedly brought wrestling to major sports status at Sanford High School and was a driving force in developing wrestling at the state level through recognition by State Principal’s Association. He initiated the Sanford tradition that has endured for over 20 years.

John Caramihalis was a member of the Springfield College squad under Doug Parker (1949-53) and was New England A.A.U. champion in 1952. That same year he completed in the National AAU championships at Cornell University.

Caramihalis came to Sanford in 1958 and immediately made his presence known in this "new" sport called wrestling. Early newspaper accounts place the first interscholastic dual meet in Maine at Sanford gymnasium between Portland and Sanford High Schools in February 1959. That year Sanford and Portland split dual meets on a home and home basis, while Sanford lost to the Perkins School for the Blind. Mainstays for the squad were the brother combination of Ron and Rick Sparkowich. In the first interscholastic tournament ever held in Maine, Sanford outlasted a tough Deering team 110-105, with Sanford crowing four individual champions. This was the first of six consecutive championships that Caramihalis won at Sanford, and this first of 11 consecutive titles for Sanford before Belfast would knock them out of the top spot in the 1969 Class A tournament.

In 1960 Sanford extended their wrestling schedule to Cooperstown, NY against Central High. It was the start of a two year dual competition. Portland also continued to wrestle the Redskins. An oddity occurred in the state meet  that year as Sweeney and Bean, both of Sanford, ended the 121 pound finals in a 6-6 draw. With no clear means of breaking the deadlock, both wrestlers were declared the winner, the only time that such a tie has occurred in any tournament competition in Maine.

Wrestling in New England was really beginning to grow in 1961 and the Sanford schedule was also extended to include Winnacunnett High School of Rye, New Hampshire, as well old foe Perkins School in Boston. This was also the first year the Northern New England Tournament, the winners of which would be eligible for the New England meet. Sanford won that first Northern tourney by edging Braintree, Massachusetts 70-79. White (120) and Sparkowich (154) won gold medals.

High school wrestling: New England qualifiers determined

Coaches and wrestlers favor the first best-of-the-best meet.

NEWPORT — Michael Curtis of Wells, the Class B champ, was in pain from a pulled rib and trailing an opponent he considered his toughest in the 195-pound division – Mike Risti of Massabesic, the Class A champ.

click image to enlarge
Michael Curtis, right, of Wells celebrates after winning a match Thursday at the first Maine New England qualifying tournament in Newport. Curtis won the 195-pound division.
Elizabeth Wrigley photo
A year ago both would have already secured a berth in the New England high school championships as class champions.
This year, Maine’s three representatives in each weight class were determined on the mat in Thursday’s first Maine New England qualifying tournament, held at Nokomis High.
That meant Curtis vs. Risti in the semifinals was for the right to wrestle in Providence, R.I., on March 7-8. The loser would have to win two more matches to get that opportunity.
“My coach tried to convince me to stop,” Curtis said. “I said I wanted one more chance and he let me. I felt (horrible). It hurt, but I’m glad the way it ended.”
Curtis went on to pin Risti, then emphasized his New England worthiness by pinning Christopher Wilson of Nokomis.
“It’s good to see who is really on top,” Curtis said.
Risti came back to pin two foes and qualify by finishing third.
“This is a great first step for us,” said Noble Coach Kip DeVoll, the coaches’ liaison to the MPA wrestling committee. “There are some bugs to work out, but the main thing is we’re going to be sending our best kids down there to New Englands. And you’re seeing the (Class) Bs and Cs getting their share, too.”
Twenty-five of the 42 qualifiers were from Class A, with 14 from Class B and three from Class C. All three qualifiers at 106, 120 and 182 are Class A wrestlers.
None of the brackets had the full complement of 12 wrestlers. Thirty-one wrestlers scratched.
“I think it’s really cool we have an all-state (meet) this year. I hope it stays,” 120-pound champ Tyler Craig of Skowhegan said.
Craig, who was fifth at the New Englands a year ago, got his 150th career win, pinning Josh Marks of Marshwood in the final.
The other champions from Class A: Cody Craig, Skowhegan, 106; Tyler Everett, Massabesic, 126; Dominick Day, Biddeford, 138; Kaleb Brown, Skowhegan, 145; Jackson Howarth, Marshwood, 152; Cody Hughes, Marshwood, 160; Malik Geiger, Oxford Hills, 170; and Brett Gerry, Marshwood, 182.
Class B champs, in addition to Curtis: Peter Del Gallo, Gardiner, 113; Dagen Berenyi, Ellsworth, 132; Michael Garland, Ellsworth, 220; and Aaron Lint, Winslow, 285.
Lint, who is 50-0 this season, said, “This is how you qualify for New Englands. They should have this every year.”
Del Gallo, the New England champ at 106 last year as a freshman, is 99-0 for his career after a 3-1 win over Bradley Beaulieu of Marshwood in the final.
“We’ll have a true top three in each weight,” said Del Gallo. “(Beaulieu) will definitely place at New Englands and probably make the finals.”
A Class C wrestler, Stewart Buzzel of Monmouth Academy, is making his third New England trip after placing second in the 145-pound division. Buzzell, 132-pound runner-up Zach Caron of Dexter and 160 runner-up Jesse Hutchinson of Dirigo were the Class C qualifiers.
Buzzell was beaten by the meet’s outstanding wrestler, Kaleb Brown of Skowhegan, 7-2.
“You’re definitely going up against the best in the state. I’m definitely representing not only my team and my town but my class as well,” Buzzell said.
For several wrestlers, the qualifier was a second chance.
“Without this tournament I wouldn’t have gone to New Englands,” said Brown. “This gave me a chance to continue my season. I think it’s a great idea. It allowed a lot of wrestlers who didn’t win a state title a chance.”
Other wrestlers who were in consolation rounds at their state meets but are now going to the New England meet include Portland’s Kidayer Aljubyly and Jaime Lones-Martinez, and Noble’s foursome of Joe Grenier, Josh Grenier, Austin Shorey and Otto Keisker.
Steve Craig can be reached at 791-6413 or at:
scraig@pressherald.com
Twitter: SteveCCraig

HS New England Qualifier Final Results

Championship Finals
106    Cody Craig (Skowhegan) def. Darren LaPointe (Marshwood)   6-4
113    Peter DelGallo (Gardiner) def. Bradley Beaulieu (Marshwood)   3-1
120    Tyler Craig (Skowhegan) def. Josh Marks (Marshwood)   Pin at 1:39
126    Tyler Everett (Massabesic) def. Jacob Thornton (Mountain Valley)   Pin at 4:23
132    Dagen Berenyi (Ellsworth) def. Zachary Caron (Dexter)   11-6
138    Dominick Day (Biddeford) def. Kameron Doucette (Skowhegan)   10-5
145    Kaleb Brown (Skowhegan) def. Stewart Buzzell (Monmouth)   7-2
152    Jackson Howarth (Marshwood) def. Joseph Grenier (Noble)   Win by Forfeit
160    Cody Hughes (Marshwood) def. Jesse Hutchinson (Dirigo)   Tech Fall 16-1
170    Malik Geiger (Oxford Hills) def. Joe Wright (Ellsworth)   4-1
182    Brett Gerry (Marshwood) def. Mikal Federici (Skowhegan)   9-2
195    Michael Curtis (Wells) def. Christopher Wilson (Nokomis)   Pin at 2:00
 220    Michael Garland (Ellsworth) def. Alex Urquhart (Hermon)   Pin at 2:02
 285    Aaron Lint (Winslow) def. Wil Gunter (Mt. Blue)   Pin at 1:54
Consolation Finals
106    Kidayer Alijubyly (Portland) def. Danny Buteau (Oak Hill)   3-2
113    Austin Shorey (Noble) def. Griffin Smith (Dirigo)   Pin at 2:56
120    Jaime Lones-Martinez (Portland) def. Hunter White (Dirigo)   8-3
126    Dylan Dahlbergh (Maine Central Institute) def. Josh Grenier (Noble)   5-4
132    Julian Sirois (Skowhegan) def. Jarryd Fonger (Mount View)   Pin at 2:57
138    Colin Sevigney (Wells) def. Brooks Law (Foxcroft Academy)   4-1
145    Otto Keisker (Noble) def. Zac Richard (Massabesic)   11-8
152    Connor Winchenbach (Camden Hills) def. Robert Hetherman (Mt. Ararat)   Pin at 3:29
160    Todd Francis (Foxcroft Academy) def. Logan Stevens (Skowhegan)   Major Dec. 15-4
170    Cyril Miller (Medomak Valley) def. Abe Eaton (Gorham)   Pin at 0:48
182    Rusty Wilson (Nokomis) def. Zach Cross (Mountain Valley)   6-5
195    Mike Risti (Massabesic) def. Jared Gilbert (Camden Hills)   Pin at 1:42
220    Nic Benner (Cony) def. Job Mesaric (Mount View)   3-2
285    Chris Cole (Mount View) def. Pierce Knorr (Mt. Ararat)   Pin at 0:51

Outstanding Wrestler : Kaleb Brown - Skowhegan

DISTRIBUTION

CLASS  1   2  3  4  TOTAL
A      9   7  7  5     28
B      4   4  6  6     20
C      1   3  1  3      8

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Marshwood's McManus grapples with surprising success

By Mike Whaley
Foster's Daily Democrat

Mike Whaley/Foster’s Daily Democrat Marshwood High School wrestling coach Matt Rix (back) celebrates after Shamus McManus was a surprise state champion winner at 145 pounds during the Class A championship Saturday in North Berwick, Maine.

The Maine Class A wrestling championship was over and there Marshwood High School senior Shamus McManus was flashing a 1,000-watt smile.
The unlikeliest of heroes, McManus, a first-year varsity wrestler, was beaming after his team had won its third straight Class A title Saturday. On top of that, the sturdy senior had gone 3-0 to improbably win the 145-pound title and received the John Pelletier Award as the tournament's outstanding wrestler.
Marshwood winning was expected, but McManus a state champ and outstanding wrestler? That was a serious longshot.
"I came in here and I wasn't even sure if I was going to place," said McManus, who had been a runner-up at the Western regional the previous week in Sanford. "The kid who got third beat me before. (Noble's) Otto (Keisker) in the regional pinned me in 42 seconds in the final. I was really thinking fourth at best. It all came together today."
Did it ever.
McManus won his first match by tech fall, 20-5, over Skyler Bang of Edward Little. In the semis he was faced off with Eastern No. 1 Kaleb Brown of Skowhegan. McManus fell behind 5-0, but never gave up.
"I kept going," he said. "Eventually he got tired out. I outlasted him, I guess. I kept going and pushing."
It was a jaw-dropper. He came back to win, 7-6.
Then onto the final against Zac Richard of Massabesic, who had upset Keisker. Marshwood coach Matt Rix said the two were in the locker room before the championship match and Richard joked that McManus may have beaten Brown but he was going to have to settle for second.
Wrong.
Again, McManus fell behind. He was down 3-1 going into the third period and came back to tie it up at 3-all and force overtime. In OT, he went right after Richard and took him down in the first 20 seconds for the win — and a state title.
"I just kept working," said McManus, who spent three years on the JV team before his chance at varsity came in his final year. "The opportunities were there and I took them."
It was his first tournament win in a Marshwood singlet.
"I've never really wrestled from behind before today," he said.
McManus's win highlighted a dominating performance by the Hawks, who won the title with 179 points, light years ahead of runner-up Massabesic (127). McManus was one of five Marshwood state champs, along with Jackson Howarth (152), Bradley Beaulieu (113), Cody Hughes (160) and Brett Gerry (182). Ten of the Hawks' 12 wrestlers placed.
"It's a different day," said Rix. "He came to wrestle. This is possibly his last opportunity as a senior and first year on varsity. He's been sitting in the wings and waiting for his opportunity to step up. It was a great team effort all around."
McManus was relentless in winning all three matches, including the final two in coming from behind.
"He kept plugging away," Rix said. "He kept plugging at it. Conditioning. We preach that in a six-minute match, get them into the third period. We win so many matches in the third period. He was confident and he got into overtime and, wow, we can win this. He wasn't going to be happy with second."
Marshwood had its know quantities with Hughes, Howarth, Gerry and standout freshman Beaulieu, as well as Killian Murphy and Darren LaPointe.
But the likes of McManus, classmate Josh Marks (120) and junior Sam Hebert (138) were making their varsity debuts after two or three years in the JV trenches. Would they come through? McManus stunned everyone, while Marks was runner-up at 120 and Hebert was third at 138. Sophomore Eric Glidden, another first-year varsity wrestler, was a runner-up at 126. He cashed in on a first-round upset of the Eastern No. 1 from Skowhegan to propel him to the final.
"He was in the good side (of the bracket)," Rix said of Glidden. "The best time to catch No. 1 is the first match of the day. They don't expect it. Sometimes they downplay No. 4. He went out there and beat him in overtime. That was huge. It gets a little momentum going, a big win like that."
McManus, smiling all the while, said, "We always have a solid group of JVs. We're always at practice. We help out. The more people there are at practice, it makes it better. There are people you can work with. Everyone wrestles differently, so you get to see different people's style."
"The kids who were JV last year — like Shamus," said junior teammate Jackson Howarth, a state champ at 152, "nobody probably knows who he is."

Well, they do now.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Professional Football Players who wrestled

By John Madden

Over the centuries many great men have tested their strength and resolve against the skills of other men in the sport of wrestling. The following is just a partial listing of those who have enjoyed intertwining their limbs with others and reads like a "Who’s Who" of great men, great athletes.

As you enjoy this section if you notice that some notable figure, past or present, has been overlooked, please contact us. We would be very grateful for the assistance to make this listing of celebrated individuals even more impressive and complete.

Professional Football
Maybe we should start this section with a trivia question? There are 8 wrestlers in Football’s Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Can you name any of them? Don’t peek before thinking about it . 
  • Larry Czonka
  • Dan Dierdorff
  • John Hannah
  • Henry Jordan
  • Ronnie Lott
  • Bruce Smith
  • Jim Thorpe
  • Chuck Noll

As a result, John Madden, Distinguished Member of Football’s Hall of Fame has been quoted as saying, 

"I would have all of my Offensive Lineman wrestle if I could."

Dan Dierdorf, ABC Sports Commentator, three time Emmy nominee, NFL 6-time All-Pro Tackle, voted NFL's top offensive lineman three times. He was one of the finest offensive tackles ever to play for Michigan and a consensus 1970 All-American. He combined strength and speed to become a key blocker as the Wolverines set a series of rushing records. A native of Canton, Ohio, he was twice All-Big Ten and went on to become an all-pro with the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League and player representative for the team. He twice was named best offensive lineman of the NFL.

Walter Barnes, NFL. NCAA Southeastern Conference Wrestling Champion.
Harris Barton, offensive tackle, North Carolina, 1983 game, 2003 Inductee – Barton was a 1986 All-American and All-ACC selection. The 4-time All-Pro selection had a 12-year NFL career that included three Super Bowl appearances and was highlighted by a 1993 Pro Bowl selection.

Brad Benson, NFL, Super Bowl Champion Giants. Pennsylvania State High School Wrestling Champion.

Tom Cousineau, First Team All-American at Linebacker for Ohio State and St. Edwards High School in Ohio. Played 6 seasons in the NFL, finished with the 49er’s. Defeated Notre Dame’s Bob Golic in the 1975 NCAA’s semi-finals.

Jay Hilgenberg, NFL. Finished 2nd in the Iowa state high school wrestling championships in 1977 and was 6th in 1976. In the NFL we was a 7 time Pro-bowler and played 12 of his 13 years with Chicago.

Dave Joyner, NFL. Three-time Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Champion at heavyweight and NCAA Runner-up in 1971. Played football in the World Football League for a while and is currently one of the leading orthopedic surgeons in America. A graduate of Penn State University and high school state wrestling champion from State College High School in Pennsylvania. Dr. Joyner is on the Pennsylvania Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He is a former Chairman of the United States Olympic Sports MedicinCommittee and is a member of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports
Medicine.

Joe Bostic, Washington Redskins, Lineman. Wrestled in high school in North Carolina and then Clemson University.

Marvin Lewis, Born Sept. 23, 1958, Lewis attended Fort Cherry High School in McDonald, Pa. (near Pittsburgh), where he was an all-conference quarterback and safety and stared in wrestling. He also earned a high school letter baseball. Before becoming the ninth head coach with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003, he was a record-setting NFL defensive coordinator and one of the brightest and most innovative minds in the league. Lewis has orchestrated an organizational overhaul in Cincinnati, leaving his imprint on the roster, coaching staff and front office. The effects of these changes have been felt throughout the community, as well as on the field, where Coach Lewis hasdirected the Bengals to the top of the AFC North division. His role in the Bengals’ stunning turnaround has been one of the biggest stories in sports.

Alex Karras, NFL. A college football star at the University of Iowa, Alex Karras turned professional in 1958, spending the next 14 years with the Detroit Lions. Karras went on to be selected All-Pro in 1960, 1961, 1963 and 1965. While still with Detroit, he made his first film appearance in Paper Lion (1969). His appetite for show business further whetted by his work in the announcing booth on ABC's Monday Night Football, Karras became a full-time actor in 1971. He displayed a keen sense of comic timing in such roles as Mongo in Blazing Saddles (1974) and gangster James Garner's gay henchman (who literally comes out of the closet) in Victor/Victoria (1981). He has often appeared with his wife, actress Susan Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Karras have co-starred in the TV biopic Babe (1975),the raunchy but successful Porky's films, and the long-running (1983-87) TV sitcom Webster. In addition to his thespic activities, Alex Karras has co-authored several books, including Even Big Guys Cry (1977) and Alex Karras: My Life in Football (1979).


Tim Krumrie, NFL. Was a Wisconsin state high school wrestling champion. In football, he enjoyed an outstanding career as a defensive tackle for the Bengals from 1983-94…joined Cincinnati as a 10th round pick in 1983 out of Wisconsin and went on to start 166 of 193 games over the course of the next 12 seasons…suffered a severe leg fracture while playing in Super Bowl XXIII vs. San Francisco but returned to start the season opener the next year (1989)…aside from 1987 players strike, never missed a game in his 12-year career and at one point had a streak of 160 starts in 161 games…led the team in tackles five times and was selected as a Pro Bowl starter following the 1987 and '88 seasons…played defensive tackle at Wisconsin from 1979-82 and was selected to that school's Hall of Fame in 1999.

Mike Pyle, Illinois State High School Wrestling Champion for New Trier High School (IL), class of 1957. Also won the state championships in the discus and the shot put. In football, he played under the legendary Walt Aschenbach, who coached New Trier from 1925 to 1965 and finished with a record of 208-105-14. Mike went on to star for the Yale football team, which went 9-0 his senior year. He then turned pro, drafted 89th over all by the Chicago Bears, where he played his entire career, 1961-1969. He was their center and captain. His best year was 1963, when he was chosen All-Pro and the Bears won the National Football League championship.

Archie Griffin, as a junior at Ohio State Archie was named to every All-American team and was called "the greatest football player I've ever coached" by Woody Hayes. Combining power, speed and an uncanny ability to break four or five tackles on a single play, he smashed the all-time record for running backs in the Big Ten, amassing 4,064 yards. As a senior Archie extended his record of consecutive 100-yards plus games to 31, his overall yardage to 5,176 and became the only player ever to win the Heisman twice. Archie of Eastmoor High School in Columbus, Ohio, in addition to being the AAA state football player of the year, was also one of the best wrestlers in the state of Ohio in 1971-72. At one point he was 24-1. There was a strong rumor that his only loss to that point was a disqualification due to an aggressive body slam of an over-matched opponent. He won the Columbus City wrestling title in decisive fashion beating his Whetstone opponent in the finals by an overwhelming margin. The following week he likewise dominated the Sectional wrestling tournament in what was presumed to be the first leg of his march to the state wrestling title. In the sectional tournament he once again overwhelmed the same Whetstone wrestler. Seemingly inexplicably, in the semi-finals of the district meet the following week, he lost an 11-1 overtime decision to this same young man from Whetstone. That loss deprived Griffin of the chance to advance to the state finals the following week. When asked about this years later, Griffin, still obviously frustrated by this loss, admitted he wrestled in the district tournament with a bad flu, and simply ran out of energy in the match. 

Chuck Noll, NFL, State High School Wrestling Champion and legendary coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was head coach of the Steelers for 23 seasons from 1969 until 1991. His Noll-led team developed from a miserable 1-13 season in Noll's first campaign to the highest level ever attained by an National Football League team to date. He won four Super Bowl championships in a six-year period starting with a 16-6 win over Minnesota in Super Bowl IX and culminating with a 31-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV. Pittsburgh also defeated Dallas twice in classic struggles, 21-17 in Super Bowl X and 35-31 in Super Bowl XIII. Noll took over a Pittsburgh team that had never won a championship of any kind in almost 40 years of National Football League play.

Jonathan Ogden, NFL.

Irv Pankey, NFL, was a two-time state high school wrestling champion in Maryland.

Jim Plunkett, In 1970, Jim Plunkett became the only Heisman Trophy winner in Stanford history, ending his collegiate career with 7,887 yards in total offense, which was then not only a Stanford record but an NCAA mark as well. He played in the NFL for 17 years and won two Superbowls quarterbacking for the Oakland Raiders. He was the MVP of Superbowl XV. He was a California high school state champion in wrestling.







Mike Pyle, NFL, State Champion IL.

Art Baker, Buffalo Bills.

Rhonde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tom Covert, NFL.

Tiki Barber, New York Giants. Holds the Virginia all-time record with 651 carries and almost 5000 yards for the Caviliers. Entered the NFL in 1996 and is currently with the NY Giants and in 2004 was fifth in the NFL in rushing yards. Wrestled in high school, hometown Roanoke, VA.










Eric Bateman, New York Jets.

Greg Boone, Oakland Raiders.

Jeff Bostic, Washington Redskins’ Center, North Carolina state high school wrestling champion and played his college ball at Clemson University. Shown here snapping the ball.

Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots inside linebacker who played in three Super Bowls. Wrestled at Roseville High School in northern California.

Bob Breunig, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona state high school wrestling champion and WAC Champion at Heavyweight for the Sun Devils. Played ball at Arizona State and went on to become one of the best linebackers in Dallas Cowboy history.

Phil Bryant, Philadelphia Eagles, two-time National Prep School wrestling champion.

Ralph Cindrich, Houston Oilers, Pennsylvania state high school wrestling runner-up.

Roger Craig, joined the NFL's San Francisco 49ers as a second-round draft choice in 1983 out of the University of Nebraska and was a vital member of the San Francisco offense during three Super Bowl championship seasons. The 6-foot, 219-pound running back set an NFL record for a running back with 92 pass receptions in 1985, gaining 1,016 yards. He also became the first player in history to gain more than 1,000 yards receiving and more than 1,000 yards in rushing in a single season. State high school wrestling qualifier for states in Iowa.

Rob Davis, Green Bay Packers.

Donnie Edwards, San Diego Chargers.

Carl Edwards, San Diego Chargers, a three-time Maryland state high school wrestling champion.

Rob Essink, Seattle Seahawks.

DeMarco Farr, St. Louis Rams.

Patrick Flannery, Houston Oilers.

Ed Flanagan, Detroit Lions.

Terrell Fletcher, San Diego Chargers.

Frank Garcia, St. Louis Rams, a two-time Arizona state high school wrestling champion.

Mike Goff, Cincinnati Bengals.

Mike Golic, is a nine-year NFL veteran, playing defensive tackle for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins. While in Philadelphia, he began his television career with a weekly segment on the Randall Cunningham Show. He received a Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Award for his feature "Golic's Got It." Golic is a 1985 graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he served as captain of the football team during his senior season. He was a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler for the Irish at heavyweight. 

Darien Gordon, Denver Broncos

Scottie Graham, Minnesota Vikings.

Kelly Gregg, Baltimore Ravens and a three-time Kansas state high school wrestling champion. Played ball at the University of Oklahoma before moving onto the pros.
Morlon Greenwood, Miami Dolphins.

Nick Griesen, New York Giants.

Randy Grossman, Pittsburgh Steelers. A star at tight end for Temple University's football team in the early 1970s, Randy Grossman went unnoticed in the 1974 NFL draft. Signing as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he went on to play eight seasons of professional football. As a member of the Steelers during their reign of NFL supremacy in the 1970s, Grossman was on the winning side in four SBowl games. He wrestled at Haverford High School.







John Hannah, a 6-2, 265-pound guard from Alabama, was the first round pick of the New England Patriots and the fourth player selected in the 1973 National Football League Draft. He was an eight-letterman star in football, track and wrestling and a two-time grid All-America at Alabama. By starting his first 13 games before a freak leg injury forced him out of the final game of his rookie season, Hannah dispelled any concerns the Patriots might have had about his ability to adjust from the straight-ahead blocking of the college wishbone offenses to the drop-back blocking and pulling required of guards in the pros. In the next 12 years, Hannah became widely recognized as the premier guard of pro football. He was named All-Pro 10 straight years from 1976 through 1985. He won the NFL Players Association's Offensive Lineman of the Year award four straight years from 1978 through 1981. Hannah was named to nine Pro Bowls but missed the game following the 1983 season because of an injury.
In spite of the constant contact his body had to absorb, Hannah missed only five games because of injuries of a possible 191 in his 13-season career. He also missed three games due to a contract dispute at the start of the 1977 season. Hannah clearly was the mainstay of an excellent offensive line that helped to power the Patriots to some of their finest years.
During his career, New England enjoyed seven winning seasons and a 100-91-0 cumulative record. Hannah was given a large share of the credit when the Patriots rushed for a then-record 3,165 yards in 1978. John finished his career after the 1985 season on a high note. His final campaign had produced an AFC championship and Super Bowl XX appearance for the Patriots, and All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl invitation for himself.

Orlando Huff, Seattle Seahawks.

Corey Hulsy, Oakland Raiders.

Bo Jackson, Oakland Raiders. There have been others -- from Jim Thorpe to Deion Sanders. But even now, eight years after he played his last football game and four years since his last baseball game, Bo Jackson is still considered by many to be "the man" among multi-sport athletes. Legendary? To this day, memories of Jackson linger, and not just because an ad campaign made "Bo Knows" a mantra. There was that Monday Night Football touchdown run through Seattle's Brian Bosworth in 1988. There was the 1989 All-Star Game home run, which he hit while Ronald Reagan was in the TV booth describing it. He never played for a world champion, but the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Jackson was the first athlete named to play in the All-Star Game of two major sports. Not bad for a guy who won a Heisman Trophy and became a 1998 College Football Hall of Fame inductee in a sport he described as his "hobby."

Mario Johnson, New England Patriots.

Dahanie Jones, New York Giants.

Henry Jordan, Green Bay Packers. He was the fifth player to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame from the outstanding Green Bay defensive unit that helped to make the Packers the scourge of the National Football League during the 1960s. Jordan's defensive linemate Willie Davis, linebacker Ray Nitschke, cornerback Herb Adderley and safety Willie Wood are the defensive stalwarts who preceded the 6-2, 248-pound defensive tackle into the Hall.
A three-sport star at the University of Virginia where he captained the football team as a senior and was a runner-up in the heavyweight class of the 1957 NCAA wrestling championships, Jordan began his pro football career as a fifth-round draft pick of the 1957 Cleveland Browns. Henry quickly assured himself a spot on the roster as a hard-hitting defensive tackle for a team that grabbed the 1957 NFL Eastern division title and tied for the division crown a year later. But before the 1959 season, Cleveland sent him to the Packers for a fourth-round draft choice. Jordan's acquisition proved to be a key element in coach Vince Lombardi's ambitious building program. For the next decade, Jordan, who was born in Emporia, Virginia, on January 26, 1935, was a fixture at defensive right tackle as Green Bay won six divisional titles, five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls. Jordan, known as a quick, smart defender, specialized in pressuring the passer. He won All-NFL acclaim five times in 1960, 1961,1962, 1963, and 1964, and also played in four Pro Bowls, seven NFL title games and Super Bowls I and II. He was named the Outstanding Lineman in the 1962 Pro Bowl classic. Extremely durable, hmissed only two games in his first 12 seasons before his final 1969 campaign, when injuries limited his playing time to just five games.

John Jurkovich, Cleveland Browns.

Nick Lecky, Kansas state high school wrestling champion. 2004 draft.

Jess Lewis, Houston Oilers, NCAA wrestling champion for Oregon State.

Ronnie Lott, San Francisco 49ers. You think USC, you think running backs and offensive linemen but the Trojans have had some killer defensive players as well. None were better than safety Ronnie Lott who was a fierce ball-hawker and brutal tackler. Everyone remembers him as a Hall of Fame legend in the NFL, but he showed he was a superstar in college on some outstanding Trojan teams. He emerged as a starter as a sophomore before becoming All-Conference as a junior and senior and USC's MVP in 1980 and a unanimous All-American. The Trojans won the national title in 1978 with Lott's help and they went to, and won, two Rose Bowls. He won 4 Super Bowls with the 49er's and was an All-Pro Bowler and is in the Football Hall of Fame.

Sean Mahan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Steve Martin, Houston Oilers.

Mickey Marvin, Oakland Raiders.

Napolean McCallum, Oakland Raiders.

Randle McDanial, Minnesota Vikings. Was a wrestler before his days as a 12 time Pro-Bowler.

Mark McDonald, Arizona Cardinals.

Bryant McKinnie, Minnesoate Vikings.

Greg Meisner, Los Angles Rams.

Matt Millen, Oakland Raiders.

Ronald Moore, Cleveland Browns.

James Mungro, Indianapolis Colts.

Stephen Neal, New England Patriots, World and NCAA Wrestling Champion. He was born the son of Jack and Illys Neal on Oct. 9, 1976 in San Diego, Calif. … A five-sport athlete at San Diego High School, he competed in wrestling, football, swimming, tennis and track and field ... Finished fourth in the state his senior year with a 45-2 record at 189 pounds ... Wrestled against 1998 Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams while wrestling at San Diego High ... Wrestled against former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar while at Cal State-Bakersfield.



David Patten, New England Patriots.

Scott Peters, New York Giants.

Bob Pickens, Chicago Bears.

Dave Porter, Green Bay Packers, NCAA Wrestling Champion for the University of Michigan.

Larry Csonka, NFL , Miami Dolphins, only undefeated team in NFL history. He pounded defensive players as a fullback and thumped opponents on the mat as well.










Curley Culp, NFL, 1967 NCAA Champion, National AAU Champion. While at Yuma (Arizona) High School, Culp won state heavyweight wrestling titles in 1963 and 1964, finishing with a 15-0 record as a senior. He was named all-state both years as well. At the same time, he was beginning a stellar football career, receiving all-state honors on the gridiron in 1963 and 1964. Offfield, Culp graduated with a 3.1 GPA, and was 30thin a class of 2students. Culp later went on to play professional football, and was an American Football League all-star and a member of the Kansas City Chiefs squad that won Super Bowl IV in 1970. He was a five-time all-pro and was the National Football League's outstanding defensive player of the year in 1975.


Bill Fralic, as a tackle at the University of Pittsburgh, Fralic was a consensus All-American three times in football and twice in wrestling (1983 and 1984). He was the second player chosen in the 1985 NFL draft, by the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-5, 280-pound Fralic became a starting guard with Atlanta as a rookie. He was named to The Sporting News all-pro team in 1986 and 1987 and was selected for the Pro Bowl in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989. In April of 1993, Fralic signed with the Detroit Lions as an unconditional free agent. He retired after one season with the Lions.

Doug "Bubba" France, played for eight years in the NFL and was selected for two pro-bowls. Ohio state high school wrestling finalist.

Bill George, NFL. Intra-collegiate wrestling champion.

Charlie Getty, was no stranger to playing in championship games, having played in three consecutive bowl appearances as right tackle at Penn State. He was also an outstanding collegiate wrestler, finishing fifth in the NCAA Championships in 1974. Charlie joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 1974 as a second round draft choice and played both tackle and guard his first few seasons. He became a permanent fixture at right tackle in 1967 and started there until his retirement. He had his strongest season in 1981 when the Chiefs compiled the most total offensive yards in club history. In all, Getty played in 110 Chiefs games. Getty finished his career in 1983 with the Green Bay Packers.

Kevin Glover, Drafted in the second round out of Maryland, he was instrumental in the blocking for Barry Sanders’ outstanding career. Known as a player who could hold his own in the middle of the line, he played for three years under Bobby Ross at Maryland, then played in three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1996-1998. He won the starting job at center after starting at guard in 1988…One of the Lions’ most durable players starting every game four straight seasons on the offensive line(19881991), three seasons (1989-1991) center…Was one of the most well respected anwell liked play

Rocky Rasley, Detroit Lions.

Willie Roaf, New Orleans Saints.

Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Was a Florida State high school wrestling champion before his All-Pro days in the NFL.

Mark Schlereth, Detroit Lions.

Steve Sefter, Philadelphia Eagles. Pennsylvania state high school wrestling ch

Bruce Smith, Washington Redskins.

Brad St. Louis, Cincinnati Bengals.

Matt Suhey, Chicago Bears, Pennsylvania state high school wrestling champion.

Bill Szott, Washington Redskins.
Woody Thompson, Atlanta Falcons, Pennsylvania state high school wrestling champion.

Mike Trgovac, Carolina Panthers.

Kyle Turley, St Louis Rams.

Ryan Turnbull, Cleveland Browns.

Adam Vinatieri, New England Patriots. Born in Yankton South Dakota, the second of four children, Adam lettered in football, soccer, track, and wrestling at Rapid City Central High School (South Dakota) and earned first-team all-state honors in 1991. He graduated from South Dakota State and joined the New England Patriots in 1996. To date he has earned three Super Bowl rings and is one of the NFL’s best and most consistent kickers.




Fred Weary, St. Lousi Rams.

Charles White, Los Angles Rams.

Randy White, Dallas Cowboys.

Cory Widmer, New York Giants.

Coy Wire, Buffalo Bills. Pennsylvania state high school wrestling runner-up.

Greg Wojochowski, St Louis Rams.

La'Roi Glover, NFL. Runner-up in the 1992 California state high school wrestling championships.

Jim Everett, retired in 1997 after 12 seasons as one of the NFL's most reliable quarterbacks.
After a senior season at Purdue in which he completed 285 of 450 passes for 3,651 yards, Everett finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1986. He was selected by Houston in the first round (third overall) of the 1986 draft and was traded to the Rams in September, 1986.
Within two years he established himself as the Rams' starter, passing for at least 3,000 yards in five consecutive seasons (1988-92). He later increased his career total of 3,000-yard seasons to seven, tied for sixth i

Bob Golic, 2-time All-American in wrestling while at Notre Dame. Bob Golic is the brother of Mike Golic who was also a NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles, and is a football commentator for ESPN. He played his college football for Notre Dame. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 1979. Played in the NFL as Defensive Tackle for the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Raiders a total of 14 years. Played with the real Rudy, who the movie Rudy was based on at Notre Dame. Beat Harold Smith in wrestling.

Tim Green, NFL.

Carlton Haselrig, Wrestling for the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Haselrig won NCAA heavyweight championships in both Division I and Division II from 1987 through 1989, becoming the only man ever to win six titDuring his college career, he won 143 matches while losing only 2 and tying 1. Though he hadn't played football in college, Haselrig was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the twelfth round of the 1989 NFL draft. He spent a season on the team's developmental squad and was on the regular roster as a nose tackle in 1990. The 6-foot-1 Haselrig wrestled at 275 pounds and increased that to 290 as a pro football player. The Steelers moved him to offensive guard in 1991 and he was chosen to play in the 1992 Pro Bowl.

Ron Heller, NFL.

Chad Hennings, NFL. Iowa state high school wrestling champion. Two time Academic All- America, Inducted into GTE Academic All- America Hall of Fame, Unanimous All-America, Most Valuable Athlete for Air Force Academy, WAC Defensive Player of Year and on All- Decade Team, Outland Trophy winner signify outstanding Lineman in the country, Washington DC Touchdown Club Lineman of the Year, Freedom Bowl MVP, Japan Bowl Most Inspirational Player, Selected to be team Captain by teammates for Shrine All Star game, Played nine seasons for the Dallas Cowboys as a starting defensive lineman.



Ernie Ladd, NFL, Super Bowl Champion, Kansas City Chiefs. Until the phenom known as Goldberg arrived in the late 1990's, Ernie Ladd was perhaps the most successful pro football player-turned-pro wrestler in the history of the sport, and one of the most influential "big men" wrestling has ever known. Despite being a nationally famous NFL pro football player (for the Baltimore Colts and K.C. Chiefs, among others) "The Big Cat" -- standing 6`9 and weighing 320 lbs. -- was not only one of the most successful wrestlers of his time, he was also one of the most hated. Known equally for his treachery and penchant to cheat at every opportunity as he was for his talent and overwhelming size, Ladd was perceived by fans as one of the most dangerous men in the sport.

Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens. State high school wrestling champion in Florida. He has publicly stated that wrestling gave him the skills to become a top-flight player in the NFL. He attended the University of Miami where he was a three-year starter who turned pro after his junior year. He led the Hurricanes in tackles for 22 consecutive games and led the Big East Conference in tackles for two straight seasons. One of the games best all around player. In just five seasons in the NFL, Ray has been selected to four consecutive Pro Bowl teams and was named to USA Today's all-Rookie team in his first season. In 1997, Ray received the John Mackey Award (voted by his peers as the AFCís best linebacker). In the 1997, 1999 2000 and 2001season Ray was named Ravens' MVP. In 2000, Ray was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year and MVP of SuperBowl XXXV. In 2001, Ray was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Kirk Loudermilk, NFL. Minnesota Vikings.

Joel Mackovica, NFL.

Chris McIntosh, NFL. 


Jim Nance, a three-year starter at fullback for Syracuse University, Nance won the NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship in 1963 and 1965. The powerful, 6-foot-1 Nance played at 235 pounds in college, but he weighed nearly 260 pounds when he joined the Boston Patriots of the American Football League in 1965 and he never really got into season that season. In 1966, Nance led the AFL in rushing with 1,458 yards on 299 carries, both all-time league records, and scored 11 rushing touchdowns. He was named the AFL's player of the year. The following season, he again led the league with 1,216 yards in 269 attempts.

Lorenzo Neal, NFL. Was a California state high school wrestling champion in 1989, finished 2nd in 1988 and 4th in 1987.

Jeremy Newberry, NFL. Wrestled in high school at Antioch High School

Leo Nomellini, NFL, Big 10 Champion.

Ernie Ladd, Kansas City Chiefs, Defensive Lineman. The Grambling State University standout with the Chiefs 15th pick in the 1961 draft. At 6'9" and 315 pounds, Ladd was arguably the biggest and strongest man in professional football: 52-inch chest, 39-inch waist, 20-inch biceps, 19-inch neck, 20-inch calf, andsize 18D shoes. He played in three AFL championship games, helping the Chargers win the American Football League title in 1963 with fellow teammate Earl Faison, both members of the original Fearsome

Mike Reid, A former defensive tackle for the NFL's Cincinnati BenMike Reid is one of the most sensitive writers of romantic songs in contemporary country music. He was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, thson of a railroad worker. Although he was a piano player from age six, Reid’s real passion was sports; in 1969 he won the Outland Trophy abest collegiate defensive lineman in the country and was an Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Champion at heavyweight. He was drafted in the first round of the NFL, and became the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1970 and Pro Bowler. In music, Reid has penned 11 number one hits abd won several Grammy's.

Fred Smerlas. NFL, State High School Champion in Massachusetts and New England Champion. From 1979 up to 1990, there was no larger character playing for the Buffalo Bills than Fred Smerlas. Drafted by Chuck Knox in 1979, out of Boston College in the second round, Smerlas became an instant star in and out of the uniform. He was a five-time Pro-Bowler.

Dave Szott, NFL, 1986 NFL, 1986 New Jersey State High School Champion.

Tommy Vardell, NFL. He finished 5th in the Calif State High School Championships in 1987.

Brad St. Louis, Cincinnati Bengals

Ricky Williams, 1998 Heisman Trophy Winner, Ricky was everything you could've ever wanted in a college running back. He was polite to a fault, respectful to the history of college football, and was very, very good and very, very productive. With his dreadlocks and ability to show up and produce in the biggest moments, few players in college football history can boast the career Williams had. By the time he was done at Texas he held 15 NCAA and 44 Texas records capping off a consistent career that began with a 95 yard, two touchdown day at Hawaii and finishing with the Hula Bowl, where with nothing to prove to anyone, he carried the ball 22 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns. he was pinned by Stephen Neal in high school. 



WHAT DID WE LEARN

Influence of Wrestling in the NFL
  • 10 Hall of Fame Football Players
  • 43 Multiple Pro-Bowlers
  • 60 Individual State Championships
  • 13 NCAA Wrestling Championships
  • 3 Heisman Trophy Winners Wrestled
  • 14 1st Round Draft Picks Wrestled
  • 23 RB’s / 20 LB’s / 2 QB’s / 66 Lineman / 6 DB’s / 1 K / 54 NP
A Look at The Numbers
  • 32 Professional Football Teams
  • 65 Man Rosters
  • 2080 Professional Football Players
  • 185 Wrestlers in the NFL
  • 11.24% of the NFL has a wrestling background
  • 5% of the Hall of Fame inductee’s
The relationship between wrestling and football is real.
  • There are too many legends in both sports who have proved it.
  • Hall of fame football coaches and players espouse the benefits of wrestling for football
  • players.
  • Football never made a wrestler a better wrestler BUT Wrestling made every football player a better football player.