FEBRUARY 2012 COACH RYAN S THE PEOPLE. THE TRADITION. THE EXCELLENCE.

Transcription

1 The Official Newsletter of Ohio State WRESTLING Schedule Date Opponent/Tournament Time Location November Saturday, Nov. 3 at Eastern Michigan Open All Day NTS Sunday, Nov. 4 at Buffalo Invitational All Day 1st/6 (148 pts) Saturday, Nov. 10 at Michigan State Open All Day NTS Thursday, Nov. 15 at Davidson 7 p.m. W, 40-3 Friday, Nov. 16 at Virginia Tech 7 p.m. W, Saturday, Nov. 17 at Ashland Open All Day NTS Sunday, Nov. 18 vs. Pittsburgh 2 p.m. W, Friday, Nov. 30 at CKLV Invitational All Day 1st/32 (124.5 pts) December Saturday, Dec. 1 at PSU Open All Day NTS Friday, Dec. 14 vs. Kent State 7 p.m. W, Saturday, Dec. 15 at Cleveland State Open All Day NTS Sunday, Dec. 16 at MSG Duals vs. Maryland 10:30 a.m. W, 34-3 vs. Hofstra 1:30 p.m. W, 38-3 January Friday, Jan. 4 at Iowa 7 p.m. L, 9-22 Saturday, Jan. 5 at Storm Open All Day NTS Sunday, Jan. 6 at Northwestern 2 p.m. W, 33-6 Friday, Jan. 11 vs. Minnesota 7 p.m. L, 9-25 Friday, Jan. 18 at Indiana 7 p.m. W, 36-3 Saturday, Jan. 19 at Simonson Open All Day NTS Sunday, Jan. 20 vs. Wisconsin 2 p.m. W, February Friday, Feb. 1 vs. Illinois (Oak Harbor) 7 p.m. W, 25-9 Friday, Feb. 8 at Michigan 7 p.m. W, Sunday, Feb. 10 vs. Penn State 2 p.m. L, Friday, Feb. 22 at NWCA National Duals 6, 8 p.m. Minneapolis, Minn. Friday, Feb. 23 at NWCA National Duals 1, 6 p.m. Minneapolis, Minn. March Saturday, March 9 Big Ten Championships All Day Champaign, Ill. Sunday, March 10 Big Ten Championships All Day Champaign, Ill. Thursday, March 21NCAA Championships All Day Des Moines, Iowa Friday, March 22 NCAA Championships All Day Des Moines, Iowa Saturday, March 23 NCAA Championships All Day Des Moines, Iowa *Events in Black Italicized are redshirt/gray team events FEBRUARY 2012 COACH RYAN S CORNER The Big Ten season is upon us and we are currently 3-2 in Big Ten duals with Illinois, Michigan and Penn State remaining on the schedule. This is by no means acceptable, but it is what it is. In our losses we just didn t wrestle to our potential. Our view is forward and not backward. We are training with more intensity as we prepare for the National Duals, Big Tens and NCAA s. Giving the team 9 days off over the Holidays has proven to be a challenge in early January, yet a blessing in March. We continue to assess that time frame and the training sessions in order to be ready for every competition despite the time of year. Beating Iowa last year and losing to them this year was painful. It hurt. We will grow from it. The 22-9 win last year has set a precedent and a standard. We need to continue to hold true to the simple truths that must me followed everyday, in every aspect of our training and lives. We have seen some great performances in our fi rst 5 Big Ten Duals. In Iowa City, we watched Pete Capone use a reversal to beat #4 Telford. Kyle Visconti drove to Iowa City to compete against Tony Ramos on the BTN. We are proud of him for showing great courage. Also impressive was Cam Tessari who weighed in at 149 and competed at 157 against Minnesota. Josh Demas did the same. He weighed-in at 159 in an attempt to help the TEAM. In an effort to help the team, they bumped up without any reservations. Ian Paddock stepped in at 149 and fought valiantly against a dangerous MN wrestler. We have seen some bright moments, but we have also seen the unacceptable. Getting tired, walking slowly to the center, laying on bottom and other displays of complacency are not tolerated and never will be. The level of competition is so fi erce that minor weaknesses are magnifi ed and brought to light. This is why the Big Ten is so powerful. It prepares men for the National tournament. When competing at this level we compete with truth s. We know where we stand and we can accurately assess our strength and weaknesses. We are blessed to be Buckeyes and with that privilege comes the responsibility to be prepared. Our staff and student-athletes must better prepare for the Eilte programs in college wrestling. With the Big Ten s depth, we look forward to Logan re-joining the lineup on Feb 1 when we take on Illinois up at Oak Harbor HS. He has and continues to be a leader for the program as a returning NCAA Champ and just a sophomore. Hunter, continues to keep winning as he is currently 23-0 at 141. We appreciate the support of so many who make it possible for us to provide our student-athletes with the very best. We will continue to do our best to make you

2 I AM WRESTLING. DO NOT WEEP FOR ME by coach Russ Hellickson From the ancient walls of Samaria and from Hieroglyphics written on the tombs of Egyptian Kings, we know that wrestling is a sport of the ages. It touches the lives of all who participate in it and many times even those who just observe it. Who can forget the emotional victory of Jeff Blatnick over cancer before his gold medal win in Los Angeles in 1984 or the heart rendering upset victory of Rulon Gardner over previously undefeated wrestling icon Alexander Karelin in Australia at the 2000 Olympics. You can see the impact of the sport in the eyes of even its youngest combatants. Perhaps in apprehension of that very fi rst one on one or that glorious twinkling elation that comes from the fi rst victory over the vanquished foe. And for those who stay the course for a career, their eyes refl ect a passion that penetrates deep into their very soul, a look that impacts for a lifetime and yes a look that makes them what they are. Here is an image that I want to leave with each of you tonight: I am Wrestling! Do not weep for me!! Weep for those who will never experience me. Weep for those who will never feel the exhausting pain of my training, Weep for those who will never sense the bond of Camaraderie that once established, will never wane or die. Weep for those who will never comprehend the demands of my discipline And most of all, Weep for those poor souls who will never miss me, because they never knew me. I have been experienced in virtually every culture and civilization known to mankind. I have been contested in over 150 documented forms in written history. There is no Nation on this planet that throughout all time, has not experienced me. Look to those seated around you and think of the qualities that make them what they are: Accountability, responsibility, persistence, fortitude, strength, compassion, work ethic, ingenuity, determination, integrity, honesty, focus, diligence, and resolve. Wrestling is not the only place they could acquire these, but By God they all reside here!! And if you live with me long enough these will become you. No political agenda or political interpretation can ever destroy me. My merit and my worth is no threat to any cause, but rather through my values, I am a model for others. Celebrate what I am, celebrate what I have been, celebrate what I represent, and celebrate the many ways I have impacted your life. I will survive this test as I have survived others, I am forever etched into the very fi ber of all mankind. The world needs me. Time is on my side. History guarantees me! I am Wrestling! Do Not weep for me!! USA TODAY/NWCA/AWN DIVISION I COACHES POLL Rank Team Points Record 1 Oklahoma State Iowa Penn State Minnesota Ohio State Missouri Virginia Tech Illinois Oregon State Cornell Virginia Central Michigan Nebraska Pittsburgh Edinboro Purdue Bloomsburg Wisconsin Michigan Wyoming Boise State Iowa State Penn Northern Iowa Oklahoma Dropped Out: North Daktoa State Receiving Votes: Rutgers 90, Maryland 20, Navy 17, North Dakota State 16 NCAA Champion Mike Pucillo is Back! After a two-year layoff from wrestling, Mike Pucillo has decided to fulfi ll a life-long dream of earning a spot on the U.S. World Team to win Olympic Gold in Rio. Mike was an NCAA Champion and defeated recent Olympic Gold Medalist Jake Varner in the NCAA fi nal bout. We are blessed with great friends of the program who fi nancially support the Ohio RTC, our Olympic development center, which in turn allow men like Mike to focus on training. It is great to have Mike back in the room. We would like to offer a special thanks to Kevin Walsh and Al Melchiorre in their efforts to raise the funds necessary to help Mike focus solely on wrestling. Dave Schultz International Tournament Reece Humphrey earned a bronze medal at the Dave Schultz International. Complete Results Rd. 1 he defeated Darnelio Jimenez (Panama) (7-0, 7-0) Rd. 2 he defeated B. Precin (NYAC) (6-0, 6-0) Rd. 3 he defeated K. Jahn (Japan) (7-0, 6-0) Rd. 4 he lost to B. Barjrang (India) (1-0, 1-0) Rd. 5 he defeated B. Nomin (Mongolia) (6-0, 4-3) Rd. 6 he defeated A. Supigallyev (Kaz) (3-2, 7-0) JD Bergman did not wrestle because of a mild concussion. Reece and JD are World Team Members who are projected to make another U.S. Team in SPECIAL THANKS TO OVERTIME CLUB SUPPORTERS The Overtime Donor Club continues to grow thanks to the graciousness of Buckeye Nation. Recently several new supporters joined our team. We are thankful. Bob Hanline, Tom Skove, Chris Snyder, Matt Ambrose, Scott Arnel, Steve Skilken, Andy Quillin, Bill Thomas, Mike Wehinger and Al Melchiorre.

3 Hotel Info For the nights-2/22 & 2/23 13 Hilton Minneapolis 1001 Marquette Ave. Minneapolis, MN Single rate $ Block name is- National Duals Wrestling Fan Block Block Code is OSF Call Minnesota and ask to purchase tickets in the Ohio State section. -(612) or Toll Free ( ) Finals Schedule and Information: Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23, 2013 University of Minnesota Rounds: Friday 6 pm and 8 pm Saturday 1 pm and 7 pm *The four teams with automatic bids into the fi nals are: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio State. Mat Mayhem Video 2013 BIG TEN & NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS Thank you to all our fans who came out to support the Ohio State wrestling team in their post season tournaments last season. We are already looking forward to next season. NCAA tickets will be going on sale in about a month and click wr_postseasontixs to learn about purchasing them. Big Ten Championships The Big Ten championships will not confl ict with the Ohio High School State wrestling tournament in The conference championships will take place in Champaign, Ill., March 9-10 and we hope to have a stronger crowd than ever before. Our Ohio State Fan Group has reserved a block of hotel rooms close to the arena. Call to reserve your room today Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham 101 Trade Centre Drive Champaign, IL Phone Call and ask for Ohio State Wrestling Block Reserve by Feb. 8th NCAA Championships The 2013 NCAA Championships will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, March at Wells Fargo Arena. The majority of downtown hotels have already been booked, but our Ohio State Fan Group has reserved a block of hotel rooms right outside the city. It is a quick drive to the arena and there should be plenty of parking. We know most of our fans would prefer to be downtown, but please consider booking with all the other Ohio State Fans. Call to reserve your room today Drury I&S West Des Moines 5505 Mills Civic Parkway West Des Moines, IA Call and refer to the group # To book online, log on to

4 BUCKEYE TAKEDOWN FAN CLUB Hunt for Alumni! The Buckeye TakeDown Fan Club is looking for former Ohio State wrestlers to help us grow the program. We need your help in fi nding all of the wrestling alumni of The Ohio State University. The Buckeye TakeDown Club is looking to reunite all of our past wrestlers with the Ohio State wrestling program. We need your help and support in doing this. If you are a former Ohio State wrestler or know of one please contact Nickolai Timbs via at: timbs.2@osu.edu. Buckeye TakeDown Fan Club on Facebook! The Buckeye TakeDown Fan Club just recently went live on Facebook with its own fan club site. The site was made to keep you up to date on all of the socials and events of the Buckeye TakeDown Fan Club, while allowing the members chance to stay in contact with one another. If you are not already a member of the Buckeye TakeDown Fan Club on Facebook, then please join us at Members, friends and fans of the program are welcome to post anytime. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Go Bucks! 2013 Wrestling Summer Camps The dates have been set for the 2013 Ohio State wrestling summer camps. Ten camps during the months of June and July are available. Click on the link for more information. wr_2013camps 2013 Team Banquet The 2013 Team Banquet is Sunday, April 28 in the Cartoon Room at the Ohio Union. Takedown Fan Club members and season ticket holders will receive an exclusive invitation to the banquet. Logan Stieber vs. Penn State s Jordan Conaway (Feb. 10). Honorary Coach for Penn State - Tommy Rowlands (center) with Ross Thatcher, Tom Ryan, Lou Rosselli and J Jaggers Nick Hefl in vs. Matt Brown of Penn State (Feb. 10). Cam Tessari vs. Andrew Alton of Penn State (Feb. 10).

5 MEET THE BUCKEYES Randy Languis is from Powell, Ohio where he wrestled at Dublin Scioto High School. While wrestling there he was a 3 time state placer and a one time state champion. He chose to wrestle at The Ohio State University because of the great environment and world-class wrestlers he would be surrounding himself with. He currently is a 141lb wrestler pursuing a major in MSE with a minor in entrepreneurship. This year he expects to receive another letter as well as continue improving his skills. While at the university his most memorable experience was wrestling for the fi rst time in St. John Arena. His best advice for all wrestlers is to keep improving and working toward a goal even when you are feeling bad. My proudest moment was beating Iowa last season even though I did not wrestle I still felt like I helped in the win! Ian Paddock is a 149lb wrestler for The Ohio State University from Warsaw, NY. Ian is studying Agriculture Business and Applied Economics with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Wrestling is what Ian loves to do and that simple notion keeps him motivated throughout the season as well as the support from his family and friends. Throughout his years the most difficult challenges he has faced are his injuries. Regardless of these injuries he has continued working hard to accomplish his goals. Ian s most memorable experience is the Iowa dual in when Ohio State defeated Iowa on our home mat. The best advice Ian wants to give to the younger wrestlers is to not wait until next year to accomplish your goals. He says, put the work in now and do everything you can everyday to accomplish what you want, enjoy the sport despite how hard it may be at times. It s what you love so give it everything you have and enjoy it. My proudest moment from a wrestling standpoint at Ohio State is yet to come. That being said my proudest moment has been watching my brother s comeback from being told he might not live, walk, talk, and certainly not ever wrestle again, to fi ghting his way back and not only wrestling again, but being highly competitive. That s my proudest moment SENIORS Cody Magrum is graduating with a major in Strategic Communication. Wrestling at The Ohio State University has infl uenced his college career in many ways. It has taught him the importance of accountability and hard work. He works hard in the classroom and outside of the classroom knowing his actions can influence others. The most important lesson Cody intends to take from wrestling at Ohio State is the importance of hard work in all aspects of life. He advises the younger wrestlers to stick with it and compete as much as possible and having a crazy wrestling dad can help too. My most memorable moments would be making it to the NCAA tournament and being on the fl oor with Hunter to be the fi rst to congratulate Logan when he walked off the mat after winning his fi rst national championship match Pete Capone is graduating with a degree in communications. Wrestling at The Ohio State University has given him great opportunities he would not have had without being a part of the team. Through his experiences he has learned that no matter what he encounters in life, there is always a good chance nothing will be as physically and mentally challenging as Big Ten college wrestling. My most memorable experience was beating up Mike Pucillo on a daily basis. I advise the younger wresters to always be in good shape and it will help enhance your wrestling skills.

6 SENIORS Nikko Triggas is graduating with a degree in Consumer Science. Wrestling for Ohio State has made his life easier. Instead of being overwhelmed by the huge student body and campus I was apart of a close-knit team. The team has been a family to him and it has made moving away from home a lot easier. Nikko s most memorable experience has been a collection of moments on the treadmill or on the mat for early morning workouts with Lou. The most important lesson he plans to take away from Ohio State wrestling is discipline. The discipline he has learned from cutting weight and training will help me for the rest of my life. To all the younger wrestlers, I advise you to work hard and compete as often as possible Steven Ruthen is graduating with a degree in fi nance and intends to become a fi nancial analyst and eventually open his own hedge fund. Steven has been deeply impacted throughout the years as a manager by the driven and motivated people who surround him. These wrestlers and coaches who make sacrifi ces to be great at something they love has made him more driven to achieve his life goals. His most memorable experiences throughout his Ohio State career is winning against Iowa in the season as well as watching J Jaggers and Logan Stieber win national titles. I would like to thank the coaches and my friends for giving me the best 5 years of my life, and I would not trade anything for the life long relationships I made and the lessons I have learned. To the future managers, my best advice would be to never buy the wrong pedialyte for the wrestlers. Victor Puskas is graduating with a degree in biology and will attend graduate school at John Carroll University to pursue a masters in education. His goal is to become a high school science teacher as well as a wrestling coach. Victor s most memorable moment throughout his career as a manager for the team was broadcasting the victory over Iowa last year on the Big Ten Network as well as watching Logan Stieber win his fi rst national title. The most important lesson he intends to take from his experience with Ohio State Wrestling is to always be consistent every day. Also hold yourself to a high standard and you ll reach your goals. I would like to thank the coaches, wrestlers, trainers, and managers for making this a priceless experience. This program is special because of the people and the vision they have each and every day. To the future managers, my best advice is to watch, listen, and learn each day from these coaches. Take advantage of every opportunity and take pride in all you do for the program. Go Bucks! Senior Day vs. Penn State (Feb. 10) - The Ohio State Department of Athletics and the Ohio State wrestling team recognized seniors Peter Capone, C.J. Magrum and Nikko Triggas and team managers Victor Puskas and Steve Ruthen.