Kansas Wrestling Forums General Discussion Freestyle/Greco FILA / Akron Report

We are here in Akron, Ohio home of the University of Akron and home of the Zips!

From what I've seen, it is a nice campus with a beautiful facility! Tomorrow starts the FILA, Cadet and University, Greco National tournament!

In Greco we will have the following wrestlers, taking the mat for Team Kansas!

Tyler Koehn, Zach Reeb, Steve Andrus, Atticus Disney, Sam Thoman, Jake Tanenbaum, Romero Cotton, Sharky Slyter and Joseph Cornejo!

There is a wealth of talent in this group but talent alone doesn't win matches. At this level it will take a supreme effort along with talent to make a good showing!

I am not sure yet what the Internet situation is at the venue. I will try to keep you all informed as much as I can!!

Off to bed ... I am still working out that beauty sleep thing!

Randy from one friend to another who needs the beauty sleep, give up, it hasn't worked for me, it isn't working for you. As to the reports, wish we could be there, will be at the hospital most all day with Nate but pass along our well wishes to all of the guys.

What happened to Nate?!

Also no pressure to the Kansas kids Randy, but I told a coach or two I know that will be there for the Univesity Nationals portion of the tournament that many of the Kansas Boys will cake walk...when asked whom, I said, "All of them, they are from Kansas"

Hope they keep me honest with that statement so I can talk up Kansas on the "national forums"

Well, we're up and stirring (except for Atticus, he thinks beauty sleep will still work).

Plans are for a touch of breakfast and off to the venue at about 8 am.

Thanks to Travis Shives, of USA Wrestling, I have a brief connection. With that I will log my story of this mornings events!

Friday morning, April 20th:

Right now, I don’t have a wireless connection in the venue. Hopefully I will be able to post updates throughout the day but right now, it’s questionable!

The indoor football field makes a great locale for this event. We have 12 mats and a head-table on the floor and are only taking up about half of the available space.

Ohio is already making a plea for table workers, which isn’t a good sign. (Note to all Kansans: we need to step up for the Southern Plains and make sure it is a top-notch event) However, the first time an event is held in a facility, one has a few challenges! (Note to all Kansans: see above)

The anticipation for the first whistle in a wrestling tournament is an anxious time. The National Anthem has just played and they are calling matches to the mats. I will be going matside to cover as many Kansas matches as possible and forward those reflections.

I’ve covered my first match but first I have to report that on the mats, are tons of small pieces of rubber. This is a product of the “field-turf” and will be a constant problem.

Bout #12: Jake Tanenbaum v. Oklahoma
In the opening match for Team Kansas, Jake completely dominated his opponent. He started off a bit tentative as at the end of one-minute we had a scoreless bout. Oklahoma won the flip but Jake expertly reversed the reverse gut position and scored 2-points on a turn. Jake earned a bonus point when the Sooner failed to score. With 0.30 in the period, Tanenbaum would have his turn. He scored on two consecutive, hand-to-hand guts. Back on their feet, Jake finished the period with a takedown. In the next stanza, Jake scored on a push out and then scored on a trapped arm gut. He ended the period and the bout with a reverse lift to score 3.

Bout #25: Zach Reeb v. Illinois
In this bout, Zach was completely dominant. He used a slick duck under to score the opening point and then moved to a trapped arm gut. At the end of 1-minute, Zach exploited the starting position with a beautiful 5-point lift. Winning the first-period with an 8-1 score we moved to the second frame. Zach made quick work of the bout as he used a takedown, a trapped arm gut, and a 3-point reverse lift, to close the frame and bout, 6-0. Reeb wins, 8-1 and 6-0.

Bout #41: Tyler Koehn v. Nevada
After 1-minute on their feet this bout went to the mat. Tyler won the flip and had the dominant position. He gave up the reverse gut position but quickly locked up a trapped arm. Tyler turned his foe 3 times for the 6-0 period win. The second continued with a battle for position. Tyler was close to giving a push out point but locked his opponent up and tossed him for 3. There was a big discussion between the three officials and the result was a 3-2 lead for Tyler. At the end of a minute, since Tyler was ahead he gained the advantage. However, at the whistle, while Tyler was reversing his hands the opponent stood up. On their feet, Tyler was unable to score and at the end of the 0.30 seconds gave up a bonus point for failing to score. Nevada had his turn but Koehn fought off the gut attempts. Tyler wins, 6-0 and 4-3.

Bout #80: Jake Tanenbaum v. Illinois
Tanenbaum found himself trailing early in this bout, 0-3. But Jake snapped the Illini down and gained a 2-point turn with a body lock from the front. Jake trailed after the first minute, 2-3 and had to defend the par terre position. Jake did so and gained a 1-point reversal and a 3-point lift. Jake had his turn on top and scored to win the period, 8-3. The second set began and Jake shored up his defense. Illinois won the flip at the end of a minute and scored late in the 0.30-second interval with a 1-point hand-to-hand. Jakes turn. Jake lost the reverse lift position but gained a trapped arm gut. Jake scored 8-points with it. Tanenbaum wins, 8-3 and 8-1.

Bout #94: Zach Reeb v. New York
As this bout neared the 1-minute mark it looked like we were going to the flip. But Zach countered placing the New Yorker on his back. Zach gained the fall at 1.14 of the first. Zach Reeb wins!

Bout #108: Tyler Koehn v. Florida
This match was scoreless at the end of 1-minute but Tyler won the toss. Tyler dispensed with the mandated position and quickly moved to a trapped arm gut. Then Tyler turned the Floridian 3 times to win the period. The second set began as the first did with neither wrestler scoring after a minute. Florida won the toss but Koehn gained his feet and after the 0.30 seconds had expired, gained the bonus. Tyler’s turn and he scored a 2-point turn. Koehn wins, 6-0 and 3-0.

I am blaming the next little hiccup firmly on the shoulders of Craig Sesker, the media rep for USA Wrestling. Craig asked how the Kansas boys were doing and as you can see, we were undefeated!

Bout #33, University division, Joe Cornejo v. Minnesota
Joe who wrestles for Labette Community College was facing an opponent from the Greco training factory from up north. That opponent would prove formidable. Joe loses the bout, 0-6 and 1-6.

Bout #119, Sam Thoman v. Ohio
Sam had lost the first period, 0-6. The second had just began as I arrived matside. Sam never got his offense going as the Buckeye closed out the match, winning the second, 1-4.

Bout #135, Sharky Slyter v. California
Team Kansas need to right the ship and the ability to do so, looked in question. At the end of one-minute neither wrestler had scored. California won the flip but was unable to score in the 30 seconds. Sharky had a chance and he also failed to score, which made to score 1-1. Since California won last, he won the period. The second period was scoreless at the one-minute mark but Sharky won the flip. He scored on a 3-point lift. On their feet Sharky gave a step out point but got that back as he defended the lift. In the deciding 3rd period, Sharky was trailing after a real sweet duck under by the Californian. But he defended well and again defended the par terre. With 30 seconds left, it was Sharky with a big lift and toss for 5. A 5-pointer in any period as well as two 3-pointers wins the period. Sharky wins 1-1, 4-1, 6-1.

A report from the Cornejo camp! Joe suffered an injury in his last bout and will forego the balance of the Greco tourney. He will be fine and hopes to rest his shoulder for Freestyle competition.

Bout #167: Jake Tanenbaum v. Ohio
One-minute into this bout we were scoreless. Jake won the flip but couldn’t gain the turn. Ohio was on top and locked up a trapped arm and turned Jake enough to gain the period win. On their feet in the second, the Buckeye scored a push out and scored a 3+1 toss. Jake went on to lose the period and the bout, 0-7 and 0-7.

Bout #175: Zach Reeb v. Ohio
After a scoreless minute, Zach lost the flip, and gave up 2 1-point lifts. Gaining his turn on top, Zach was reversed and lost the first-period, 0-4. The next frame again was scoreless after a minute but Zach won the flip. This time Zach scored a 3-point lift. But the Buckeye had his turn and Zach could not defend the lift. Zach loss the match, 0-4 and 3-6.

Bout #185: Tyler Koehn v. Washington
Again after a minute we were scoreless and Washington won the flip. Koehn defended well and gained the bonus. Tyler went on top but couldn’t score. The apple scored last and won the period. In the second, again it was scoreless after a minute, and again Washington won the flip. This time, Tyler scored a reversal and gained the bonus. In the last 30 seconds of the period Washington defended well but Tyler won the period, 2-1. In the deciding set Tyler was victimized by a snap and go behind. Tyler gave up a high gut and ended up losing the period, 0-4. Koehn loses the bout, 1-1, 2-1, and 0-4.

Bout #200: Romero Cotton v. California
Cotton Romero as the announced called him was completely dominating in this bout. He won it, 7-0 and 6-0. The highlight of the match was a 5-point lift in the second frame.

Bout #206: Atticus Disney v. Ohio
Atticus used 3 push outs to gain a 3-0 lead at the end of one-minute. Disney exploited the position a 2-point gut and a 3-point lift to win the period. In the second, the Buckeye was trying hard to gain a push out of his own but instead found himself on top of his own head as Atticus hit a toss to gain 3. Atticus closed out the period and the match with a 3-point lift. Disney wins, 8-0 and 6-0.

Bout #209: Steve Andrus v. New Jersey
It was Big Steve’s turn to toe the line. It was Big Steve scoring on a push out. This earned Andrus the dominant position but he was unable to turn the Jersey boy. Steve returned the favor and won the period, 2-1. The next period showed Steve opening up the offense. He scored on a 3-point toss, a 1-point takedown, and a 3-point toss. Big Steve wins, 2-1 and 7-0.

Bout #221: Sharky Slyter v. Ohio
Sharky took advantage of position and won the first period 5-1. In the second, the first minute was about to expire and Sharky gave up a takedown with a few seconds left and then gave up 3 straight, trapped arm gut-wrenches. Sharky lost the period, 0-8. In spite of this decisive loss, Sharky was still in the match. Sharky tried valiantly but lost that period, 0-4.

Thanks to Sir Richard you already know the results of the happenings of this afternoon. But, here is the play-by-play that I have!

FILA Report April 20th afternoon session

I must report that my shoes are full of little black pellets. They resemble mouse droppings but they are the “rubber dirt” that are part of the nature of this field turf.

I flew out of Chicago with the contingent from Wichita, which included C.J. Napier and Marcus Bowman. I’ve seen them today and can report, that they are close to weight and will weigh-in tonight. Tanner Gardner and Jake Kreigbaum are both scheduled to compete but I haven’t seen them yet!

Perhaps of interest to the folks in Kansas is I questioned Romero about playing football for the Fighting Irish! In the typical Romero fashion, he shook his head and said, “yeah right!” He does suggest that he will probably wrestle in his post-secondary career.

They are calling bouts to the mat and I can hear the plea for volunteers! (Note Kansans: see the earlier report)

Bout #248: Zach Reeb v. Florida
Reeb opened the scoring by hitting his textbook duck under and then 3 consecutive guts to close out the period. In the next period, Zach hit a beautiful 3-point toss and hit a 2+1 gut. The bonus came from holding his opponent in peril for a 5-count. Reeb wins 7-0 and 6-0.

Bout #254: Tyler Koehn v. Wyoming
Tyler continued on the path to All-American status with a 3-1 and 3-0 decision.

Bout #258: Sam Thoman v. Pennsylvania
Sam’s bid for placing in this Greco-Roman tournament came to end. Sam was ahead in the first frame but gave up a late toss to lose 5-6. Again in the second he was ahead and gave up a toss, which led to a fall. This is Thomas’s second loss.

Bout #268: Romero Cotton v. Ohio
Romero hit a slide-by to score first and then scored again with the 2-point gut. He then scored a 3-point lift in the advantage to close out the period. At the 1.00 mark of the second, Romero won the toss and optimized the chance to score the 5-point lift and toss.

Bout #274: Atticus Disney v. New York
Atticus scored a decisive win against a foe!

Bout #275: Steve Andrus v. Ohio
Steve Andrus scored a fall to gain the finals of this Greco tourney.

Bout #286: Sharky Slyter v. Oklahoma
It was Sharky with the workman like win in his next bout against a Sooner. There was a bit of controversy in the scoring and it would really be tough to explain what happened, when I myself am not sure. Regardless, Sharky gets the win, 4-4 and 4-0.

Bout #305: Zach Reeb v. Florida
Perhaps you in Kansas will remember the matches between Ross Tallinn and Rocky Cozart. Zach was facing Rocky’s little brother, Joe Cozart. Zach came real close but couldn’t quite find the decisive offense. Zach loses, 0-4, 4-3, and 0-5.

Bout #309: Tyler Koehn v. Illinois
Tyler was very dominant in winning, 7-0 and 5-0.

Bout #317: Romero Cotton v. Iowa
It was another victory for Romero in this bout. Cotton used a sweet duck and a lateral drop before earning the second period fall.

Bout #326: Sharky Slyter v. Florida
It was Sharky with the convincing decision. Sharky won in two sets, 3-0 and 3-0.

Bout #343: Tyler Koehn v. Idaho
Earlier in the tournament Tyler suffered a shoulder injury. In this bout, that injury was a little too much to give it his all. Tyler suffers a 3 period loss. The scores were 0-5, 4-1, and 1-4.

Bout #350: Atticus Disney v. Washington
It was Atticus with his patented head-and-arm that secured the fall and the win in this bout.

Bout #347: Romero Cotton v.Illinois
Once again it was a dominating win for Mr. Cotton. It was fairly close at the end of the first period, 3-1. However, Romero won the second with a 5-point lift and throw.

Bout #363: Atticus Disney v. Oregon
A win in this match would mean that Atticus Disney would be in the finals. If you’ve paid attention, you know that would mean he would face Steve Andrus! That seemed to be a matchup Atticus wanted. He won a 4-1 and 4-1 decision.

Bout #368: Sharky Slyter v. Wisconsin
This was an All-American placement bout for Sharky. If he won he would earn 3rd place. But a valiant effort would come up short. The Badger won the first, Sharky won the second, and in the third it was the Badger with a toss and eventually gained the fall. Sharky is an All-American!

Bout #382: Tyler Koehn v. Oklahoma
Tyler took and injury default and ended up in 6th place but still is an All-American!

Bout #390: Romero Cotton v. Pennsylvania
This was the match to determine the National Championship. One would think in the finals you would have a closely contested match. But that wasn’t the case. Romero dominated the bout and won the first period, 6-0 and won the 2nd with a 5-point lift. Romero Cotton is your National Champion!

Bout #396: Atticus Disney v. Steve Andrus
Well … in this match we were guaranteed a National Champion and guaranteed a runner-up. This match not only had to Kansans against each other but also two roommates and also two bedmates! That may be a picture you don’t want to visualize. After the first minute of the first period the bout was scoreless. Steve won the flip but could not turn Atticus. Atticus was up, 1-0. Steve in turn, had great defense and Atticus didn’t score. Steve was the last to score in the period … so won the first. The second, Steve was pushing a bit too hard and Atticus nailed him with the head-and-arm. Atticus then secured the fall. This was a great match between great friends. Atticus Disney is the National Champion and Steve Andrus is your runner-up!


Well Kansas ... that is your Greco report from Akron!

Great Job Randy, we appreciate the reports and congrats to all our Kansas guys, we are rooting for ya. Taking 5 guys up to Lincoln at 4 am to wrestle at a tournament up there, we will rooting for ya!
By the way Randy, let Atticus know that beauty sleep definitely is a myth.

Klint & Gage Deere

Good to hear no Irish on Romero and that wrestling is what he is saying he will do.

I don't know but he was Map Questing Chapman and saying something about getting revenge on someone who would start vicious an unfounded rumors!

Here's a report of this mornings action! Sorry I have missed a few matches that I am sure Richard will cover through trackwrestling.com

Another site that is covering the event is flowrestling.com

FILA Report April 21st Morning

Good Morning Kansas!

After a bit of java I’m starting to wake up. They’ve added one mat (makes 13 total) for the Freestyle portion of this event.

Team Kansas has added Nathan McCormick and C.J. Napier to their lineup for Freestyle. Unfortunately I missed a couple of matches yesterday and will try to do a better job today.

The first whistle has sounded … we are ready to go!

Bout #1007: Sharky Slyter v. Ohio
Sharky drew Cam Tessari for his opening bout and the Buckeye was a formidable opponent. Sharky never got his offense on track and lost, 0-6 and 2-6.

Bout #43 University: Jake Kreigbaum
It was great to see Jake, a graduate of Abilene HS who now is serving an appointment at the Air Force academy, again and it was an added bonus getting to watch him wrestle. Jake was never in trouble in this bout as he won with a very solid, 6-0 and 2-0, score.

A few logistical notes! In the Greco competition, the University division had 114 competitors and the Cadets had 215. In the Freestyle discipline the numbers jumped to a record for University wrestlers to 490! The Cadet FS has 378.

… and little pieces of “rubber dirt” are everywhere … there everywhere!

Bout #1051: Nathan McCormick v. New Jersey
Nathan started his bid for an All-American status with a roar. He used an underhook to a nice cross-ankle pick to score a 3-point takedown and followed that up with a 2-point gut. On their feet he again used the same maneuver to score a 1-pointer. In the second period, the Jersey boy had shored up his defense for the ankle pick but could stop Nathan’s repertoire. McCormick wins, 6-0 and 7-1.

Bout #1072: Jake Tanenbaum v. Oklahoma
Sometimes, wrestlers prefer to ease in to competition but sometimes your first match is a battle. Jake’s opening match in Freestyle would be a barnburner. Jake lost the opening frame, 0-5. He forged a comeback and won the second, 5-4. In the third, Jake dug a 0-5 hole for himself and tried to comeback again but it would not be in the cards. Jake lost the last, 4-5.

Bout #1112: C.J. Napier v. Illinois
C.J. woke up on the proper side of the bed this morning as he had a dominating win. C.J. is expected to go far in this tournament and he took his first step winning, 6-0 and 6-0.

Bout #1131: Tyler Koehn v. Ohio
Wrestling with an injury seems a necessity for a lot wrestlers. Tyler did it well in this bout. He used a couple of takedowns and a pair of 2-point trapped arm guts to win the first stanza. In the second, Tyler had to fend off a single leg attempt, which he did. Tyler scored a takedown of his own and finished out the bout with a couple of turns.

Bout #1167: Romero Cotton v. Ohio
Romero was you National Champion in Greco but this is Freestyle. Regardless, of the style, Romero doesn’t care. Romero had a purely magical performance in this bout. Romero used a 5-point toss to end the first period and another 5-point toss to end the match. Romero wins, 8-0 and 8-0. You can see Romero’s match on flowrestling.com

Bout #1179: Steve Andrus v. Ohio
Making quick work of his opponent was Steve Andrus. Steve used a far arm headlock to score the fall in 29 seconds.

Bout #1183: Atticus Disney v. Ohio
Actually, Atticus’s match went before Steve’s the way things turned out! Clearly, Atticus doesn’t get paid by the hour either. He scored a fall in 0.09 seconds … and it wasn’t with a head-and-arm. That’s right, Atticus had a 9 second fall using a single leg!

Bout #237 University: Marcus Bowman
This match was in the University division and had Marcus Bowman, formerly of Columbus High and now with Labette Community College, winning. It would be a battle but it was a win. Marcus scored the victory, 6-4 and 2-1.

Of interest to Kansans, Jesse Strawn, formerly of Holton HS, cornered me. Jesse is a great young man that I have known for a few years. A freshman at Old Dominion University he is competing in that division. According to Jesse he recorded a fall in his first match.

The first session is over and competition will start again in about 2-hours.

This is an incredible facility. The University of Akron is really stepping up in both academics and athletics.

(except, no working wireless Internet!)

Those rumors came via way of some muppett in Manhattan who had the "inside track"

The guys are watching the UFC fight while I am still working! Go figure!! Here is the evening report.

FILA Report April 21st Afternoon

The “long” afternoon session is underway. The plan is to go to 9 pm.

Bout #292 University: Joseph Cornejo
Also having to wrestle with an injury is Joe Cornejo. And he did fairly well. It was a decisive win, 7-0 and 1-0, over his opponent. Joe did scored a pair of 1-point takedowns and a pair of 2+1 high guts.

Bout #300 University: Frank Jonas
That might be a name fairly familiar to some of you, especially in the Wichita area. There was a lot of effort in this battle. Both wrestlers shooting, countering, and pushing out. Frank fought hard but lost, 0-1, 2-0, 3-4.

Bout #328 University: Jesse Strawn
Having coached against him many times it was nice to cheer for Jesse Strawn. Jesse advanced in the tournament with a business-like 4-1 and 2-0 victory. Jesse has never done much Freestyle; in fact he told me he has only practiced this discipline for 5 weeks. But Jesse is a wrestler and will take to it very well.

Bout #1214: Nathan McCormick v. Illinois
If you love sweet technique in wrestling, you would have loved Nathan in this match. He used a nice inside trip, an equally superb underhook to a far knee pick to dominate this match. Nathan wins, 4-1 and 7-0.

Bout #1234: Jake Tanenbaum v. Michigan
Jake got back on track with this match. Jake had his own “sweet” technique, in form of the trapped arm gutwrench. Jake scored 12-points off the “tag.” Tanenbaum wins big, 6-0 and 7-0.

Bout #1274: C.J. Napier v. Ohio
Continuing his march is what C.J. did in this match. He completely out-classed this Buckeye gaining a pin only 18 seconds into the second period. C.J. also won the first, 7-0.

Bout #423 University: Jake Kreigbaum
Getting to watch some of these “older” guys wrestle is a genuine pleasure. Jake had a convincing win in this bout. Jake wins, 5-0 and 5-0.

Bout #1292: Tyler Koehn v. Michigan
Tyler is “gutting it up” through the pain; as I would expect him to do. Tyler made fairly quick work of this opponent. Tyler wins 6-0 and 6-0.

Bout # : Sam Thoman
Getting up at 7 am and not wrestling until 5:30 pm would make me a tad bit irritable. Apparently Sam Thoman felt the same way. He was convincing in this win, 6-0 and 6-0.

Bout #1323: Sharky Slyter v. Virginia
Sharky was in trouble early in this matchup. He lost the first period by a 1-2 score and looked a bit lethargic. He evidently found something to wake him up as he won the next period, 8-1. That stanza was highlighted by a couple of 3-point tosses, including a fireman’s carry. In the third he sealed the comeback with a pair of 1-point takedowns.

Bout #1361: Nathan McCormick v. Ohio
Staying the course was McCormick is this bout. He used and underhook to cross knee and a series of TAG’s to secure the first period. Then in the second, it was a head-and-arm to earn the fall.

Bout #559 University: Marcus Bowman
What a heart breaker! Marcus found himself trailing early in this bout but a late flurry won the period for him, 9-3. Marcus was on track for the win but rolling across his own back too often. Once, his opponent trapped him there and just as the whistle sounded a fall has called. After a lot of discussion, the fall was confirmed. Marcus loses by pin.

Bout #1374: Jake Tanenbaum v. Utah
I hustled to this match and apparently got there just as the action was over. Unfortunately, the lad from Utah had most of it. Jake loses, 0-6 and 2-8.

Bout #568 University: Jake Kreigbaum
In a close match, Jake loses, 1-5 and 3-4.

Bout #593 University: Joseph Cornejo
The bracket that Joe is in is deep and tough. In the bracket is Travis Paulson of Iowa State fame. Joe battled real tough but could never mount any offense. However, he made a good accounting for himself. Cornejo loses, 0-4 and 0-1.

Bout #1400: C.J. Napier v. ???
“Taking care of business” must have being playing in his head and C.J. did just that. Napier wins 7-0 and 6-0.

Bout #619 University: Jesse Strawn
This bout would be a nail-biter. 3 times both wrestlers scored in the same flurry. But too often, it was Jesse scoring 2, while his opponent scored 3. Jesse loses, 4-5 and 3-3.

Bout #1421: Sam Thoman v. Ohio
Perhaps with the gas prices, Sam must not of filled his tank completely. In this bout, Sam was sputtering on fumes but found enough reserve to gain the win. Sam is victorious, 5-3, 4-4, and 8-1.

Bout #1444: Nathan McCormick v. Minnesota
To this point, Nathan was on-track but his train would be derailed in this match up. The Gopher scored an early takedown and used a series of guts to close out the period. In the second, Nathan set up his inside trip but was over-powered to give up the score. The Gopher went on to score a few on the turns. Back on their feet and trailing 0-4, Nathan needed something spectacular as time was running out. Nathan dug deep and scored a 3+1 and nearly got the fall. But the Gopher worked his way back to his belly and reversed Nathan with an exposure to win that period, 4-6.

Bout #1472: C.J. Napier v. Joe Cozart/Florida
This was one of the anticipated bouts of the evening. The thoughts were that C.J. could control the mat on his feet but Cozart was a dangerous opponent. C.J. scored the takedown and tried to gut Cozart. But Cozart trapped C.J. on the turn and scored 2 on the reversal. This ended the first period. The second began and C.J. started proving he was dominant on his feet. He scored 2, 1-point takedowns to win the period. In the deciding third, C.J. again took Cozart down twice and as time was running out a scramble occurred. Cozart scored 3 off of C.J.’s takedown but C.J. reversed Cozart and put him on his back to seal the victory. Napier wins, 2-2, 2-0, and 6-3.

Bout #1479: Tyler Koehn v. Ohio
Tyler’s dream would come to end. Koehn loses, 0-2 and 0-3.

Well, the tourney is over. Coming back to Kansas will be a couple of newly crowned dual National Champions, a couple of runnerups, and a few other placers. Regardless of their results, they are all champions in the eyes of most Kansans.

I am typing my report while waiting to board at the Akron/Canton Airport. It will likely be posted in Chicago!

I am working off of battery power right now but I logged this report. I will try to find some power and add some thoughts!

FILA Report April 22nd

It’s Sunday, 8:30 am EST, and “there is no place on earth, I’d rather be than” … at a wrestling tournament. Especially one where the Kansans are performing well!

I find 11 Kansas wrestlers still alive. Tanner Gardner is on the front-side of the University bracket. Marcus Bowman, Joe Cornejo, and Jesse Strawn are on the backside.

In the FILA Cadets, we have Sharky Slyter, Nathan McCormick, C.J. Napier, Sam Thoman, Romero Cotton, Steve Andrus, and Atticus Disney.

They are calling wrestlers to the mat in preparation for the festivities! I have a weird feeling a lot of my report will be typed and logged at Chicago O’Hare, where I have a 3-hour layover this evening.

Bout #692 University: Marcus Bowman
So close, but yet … seems to sum up this tourney for Marcus. In the first period he used a pair of single point takedowns to win the period. In the second he took the lead with a takedown and a 2-point tilt. His opponent scored a single and a 2+1 tilt. Trailing for the first time, Marcus needed a takedown to tie the match and essentially take the lead … and he got it. With less than 20 seconds in the match took a fatal turn. Marcus was victimized by a head-and-arm and has pinned.

Bout #1495: Sharky Slyter v. Ohio
The “Sharkman” stays alive. He was never in trouble in this bout though Sharky gave up a late, non-consequential takedown. Sharky wins, 2-0 and 2-1.

Bout #704 University: Joseph Cornejo
If you looked up “gutsy performance” in the dictionary, you might find a video of Joe’s match. The wrestlers traded periods, Joe winning the first, 3-0 and his opponent winning the second, 0-3. Late in the third, Joe’s opponent shot in and Joe locked up a front head pinch. Joe scored a 2-pointer off the hold.

Bout #1513: Nathan McCormick v. Ohio
Sometimes, a man needs to face adversity, to prove his metal. In this bout, Nathan McCormick, answered. Nathan was trailing 0-5 in the first period and was in danger of being shut out. But Nathan came roaring back with a 3-pointer and a 2-pointer as the period ended. In the second, Nathan took the early lead with a 2-point head pinch but he was reversed out of it and gave up a 2+1 to the Buckeye. Again, with time running down and Nathan in jeopardy, he dug deep and scored a 1-point takedown to seal the win. Nathan wins, 5-5 and 3-3.

Bout #742 University: Tanner Gardner
Tanner gave up the early takedown in this bout, when he took a blow to the head. However, there after, Tanner was wide-awake and on the offense. Tanner wins the first, 7-1 before securing the fall in the 2nd.

Bout #1530: C.J. Napier v. Iowa
This would be a battle between two evenly matched wrestlers. C.J. would face Nick Moore of Iowa. The first period, the wrestlers battled to a scoreless tie and the period winner would be decided by the clinch. C.J. won the flip and quickly scored the takedown. In the second, the only point scored would be by push out. C.J. wins, 1-0 and 1-0.

Facing an opponent from the legendary Blair Academy would be tough for Sam. It was a battle he would lose, 2-7 and 0-6.

Bout #1551: Romero Cotton v. California
Romero continues rolling toward a double National title. Romero wins this easily, 6-0 and 8-0.

Bout #1564: Steve Andrus v. Ohio
In the opening frame of this bout was tied after each wrestler scored a 1-point takedown. Fortunately, Steve scored last which won him the period. It the next frame, Steve got a bit more assertive scoring 3-points, all on push outs. Andrus wins, 1-1 and 3-0.

Bout #1568: Sharky Slyter v. Arizona
When this match began, Sharky though he tried, could not stop his opponent’s offense. He lost the first period by the score of 0-5. Sharky shored up his defense and they wrestled to a scoreless tie in the next frame. This required a coin flip which Sharky won. They went to a Freestyle clinch, which allows one wrestler to lock up a head outside single before the whistle is sounded. Within seconds, Sharky had scored from the advantage position. The third Sharky gave up a single-point takedown and could manage no offense. Sharky loses, 0-5, 1-0, and 0-1. This loss would knock Sharky from the tourney.

Bout #1586: Nathan McCormick v. Florida
Nathan made quick work of his opponent in this bout. Nathan with fall!

Bout #842 University: Joseph Cornejo
Joe’s bid for a top 8 finish would come up one match short with his loss in this match. Joe, who had been battling an injury, was just a little to hampered to manage the win. Joseph loses, 0-1 and 2-2.

Bout #1597: C.J. Napier v. New Jersey
Early in this bout, C.J. had the offense going. He won the initial period, 4-0. But the Jersey boy would find some defense and the next period ended up scoreless. The clinch was in order, which C.J. won. He went on to win the position and the match.

Bout #861 University: Tanner Gardner
This bout required a little more than skill to win. In this match, Tanner was the tactician but he also proved he could brawl if needed. Tanner won this match, 2-1, 1-1, and 3-0. Gardner advances to the finals with a fat lip and 5 stitches.

Bout #1611: Romero Cotton v. Virginia
It might get boring to read but it never gets boring to watch. Romero dispatches another, 7-0 and 7-0.

Bout #1619: Steve Andrus v. New York
Steve would open this bout in convincing fashion but would close in workman-like fashion. Big Steve wins, 6-1 and 5-3.

Bout #1621: Atticus Disney v. Bubba Owens of Oregon
This bout would require some effort by Atticus. We are accustomed to seeing Atticus have his way but this match was reasonably close. But Atticus still wins, 1-1 and 3-1.

Bout #1635: Nathan McCormick v. Illinois
Nathan trailed early in this match but Nathan has shown the propensity to be explosive. Nathan managed a late 3-pointer to win the first period. The lad from Illinois kept the offense going but stopped Nathan’s explosions. Nathan loses, 3-2, 0-1, and 0-4.

Bout #1643: C.J. Napier v. North Carolina
C.J. admits he didn’t wrestle his best in this next bout. C.J. loses to a Tar Heel, 0-2 and 0-2. This is C.J.’s first loss in the tourney.

Bout #1651: Romero Cotton v. Pennsylvania
Finally, a match where Romero would have to fight off his back and dig deep to win. Perhaps Romero didn’t have the cleanest technique in this bout as a bit of carelessness got him in trouble. Romero won the first, 6-4, and fought off his back to win the second, 5-4.

Bout #1655: Steve Andrus v. Missouri
As usual, matches get a bit tougher the longer you keep wrestling and this event is no different. Steve won the first period, 7-5. In the next, he took a 2-0 lead but the Showme managed a 3-point toss. Steve quickly reversed that position and worked for the fall.

Bout #1656: Atticus Disney v. Ohio
Atticus kept on-track with a win in this bout. Atticus wins, 6-0, and then secured the fall.

Bout #1667: C.J. Napier v. Missouri
C.J. turned a close back and forth battle, into a fall in this bout! The first period was C.J., 1-0. The second was the Showme, 0-2. The third was C.J. securing control and gaining the fall.

Bout #1673: Romero Cotton v. Iowa
Romero returned to his dominant form, winning the first with a 5-point toss and the second, 7-1.
Bout #1677: Romero Cotton v. Ohio
Romero controlled this bout to put himself in the in the finals. Romero wins, 3-0 and 4-0.

Bout #1689: Nathan McCormick v. Washington
In a tough battle for 5th place, Nathan wins this match, 1-4, 4-3, and 1-0. Nathan McCormick is an All-American!

Bout #1697: C.J. Napier v. Chamberlain of Utah
In this battle for the National Championship, C.J. would have to settle for 2nd. Perhaps 9 bouts in 2 days got to C.J. a bit and he could do little to stop Chamberlain, 0-6 and 0-6.

Bout #1706: Romero Cotton v. Wisconsin
Romero may be a bit under-sized for this weight class and it was obvious in this match. However, Romero is a beast. Romero is your National Champion. Romero wins, 4-1 and 9-4.

Bout #1712: Atticus Disney v. Steve Andrus
Once again, it was Atticus defeating Steve. However, this time it would be fairly close in fact Steve scored a 3-point toss. Atticus wins, 2-0 and 4-3.
Atticus is a National Champ and Steve is an All-American!

I had a coach that will go unmentioned say something that made me smile when thinking about Atticus, Steve and Romero:

"I thought Kansas was a lightweight state"

Absolutely fantastic performance. Way to go men!

Mike Flynn