BUCKEYE WRESTLING CLUB NEWS:

Nikko Triggas take three at the Olympic Trials
Kevin Schlosser; the-ozone.net

(Las Vegas, NV) Ohio State freshman Nikko Triggas competed today at the 2008 Olympic Trials in Las Vegas, Nevada. Triggas qualified for the tournament in April by winning the 55 kg (121 lb) weight class at the 2008 University Nationals in Akron, Ohio. While he came to win the tournament; Triggas went 3-2 but did not place despite several strong performances.

Triggas opened the tournament with a 6-0, 7-0 first round victory over Roger Stewart (NYAC). Advancing to the championship quarterfinals, he lost a 7-1, 1-1 series to Lindsey Durlacher (NYAC) and dropped into the consolations. A three-time US World Team member; Durlacher was a two-time All-American for Illinois in 1996 and 1997 in college.

In his first consolation match, Triggas won a 1-1, 5-0 decision over Miguel Pena (USMC). Wrestling in the consolation quartfinals, he picked up his third win of the tournament with a 4-0, 2-3, and 1:19 victory over Anthony Booker (USAF). He lost his next match in the consolation semifinals 6-0, 4-2 to Jimmy Chase (Pinnacle) and was eliminated from the tournament.

“I think I wrestled really well, but obviously not as well as I would have liked to do,” said Nikko Triggas at the end of the day. “I still have quite a few more chances at this. I am still young and I am still hungry so 2012 and 2016 are down the road.”

“This is Nikko's element; he wrestles so inspired when he is out on the mat wrestling Greco-Roman,” commented OSU assistant coach Joe Heskett . “I was really impressed he won three matches at the Olympic Trials. He is going to be a lot of fun to watch in the future.”

Despite entering the tournament as an underdog, Triggas was a game opponent in each of his matches. Irregardless of the score; he continued to push the tempo and attack. While he did not end his day on the podium, Triggas leaves Las Vegas knowing that he can compete at this level.

“He has probably had as many matches this summer or more than he did during the NCAA year,” asserted Heskett . “Nikko Triggas is a mat rat; he loves this sport and it shows. He has a lot of upside and we are very pleased with his commitment to the sport.”

“Wrestling is wrestling; I get as many matches as I can no matter what the style,” stated Triggas. “I think the key to getting better is to just keep wrestling as much as you possibly can.”

Triggas will stay in Las Vegas through the conclusion of the Olympic Trials so he can watch the rest of the competition and be here on Sunday to support Tommy Rowlands. He leaves for California on Sunday night before leaving on Monday morning for Junior Pan American Championships in Cuenca, Ecuador on June 20-22, 2008.

“I believe that the Olympic Trials are going to be better competition than the Pan Am's but they are definitely another good training opportunity,” concluded Triggas. “Whether I want to be a NCAA champion or an Olympic champion; wrestling is wrestling and I want to be the best.”

Quotes from Tommy Rowands at U.S. Olympic Team Trials press conference, held Thursday at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas' Cox Pavillion

Tommy Rowlands, freestyle, 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

“I feel like gaining World-level experience last year and being on that kind of stage gives me something that I can draw on when I face adversity.”

“Sitting out is an advantage. Anytime you can compete less and not wear yourself out physically and emotionally is an advantage. I know the other guys will be focused and ready to compete. I came out here early to adjust to the time because I live on the East coast. I have a good plan for not wrestling in the mini-tournament. I will be ready.”

On how important it is to have his college coach, Russ Hellickson, here in Las Vegas
“It's great. I don't think Russ has seen me compete in a couple of years. For him to be out here to be honored for being a member of the 1980 Olympian and being here to watch me, that is very motivating. He's like a second father to me. I've known him since I've been 8 years old. He's certainly an icon in the sport. It would be pretty special for me to achieve my Olympic dream in front of him. I know it would mean a lot to him.”

May 25, 2008

Humphrey makes World University Team

Reece Humphrey won 2 out of 3 matches vs Iowa 's Daniel Dennis in the freestyle finals at 60 kg/132 lbs. to win the University World Team Trials on May 23 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Dennis won the first match 1-0, 3-0 and Humphrey won the second match 1-0, 4-4. In the deciding third match, Humphrey won, 6-1, 4-1. Humphrey is the son of Jim Humphrey, head coach of the 1988 U.S. Olympic freestyle team and a past World medalist.

Reece Humphrey earlier knocked off Michigan State All-American Franklin Gomez 1-0, 1-0 in the finals of the Challenge Tournament. That put Humphrey in the best-of-3 finals series against Dennis.

Humphrey now advances to the World University Championships in Thessaloniki , Greece , on July 9-13.

April 26, 2008

Tommy Rowlands Defends U.S. National Freestyle Wrestling Championship Title

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After defending his title at 120kg/264.5 pounds at the 2008 U.S. National Freestyle Wrestling Championships at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tommy Rowlands , volunteer assistant coach for the Ohio State wrestling team, has moved one step closer to earning a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic squad. Rowlands now meets all the criteria specified by USA Wrestling to automatically qualify for the finals of the U.S. Olympic Trials June 13-15 in Las Vegas.

In addition to winning the U.S. National title, in order to advance to the Olympic Trials finals, wrestlers must have
- finished in the Top 10 at the 2005, '06 or '07 Senior World Championships
- been a 2005 University World Games medalist
- 2005, '06 or '07 Junior World medalist
- been a multiple U.S. World Team member

Rowlands finished fifth at the World Wrestling championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, in September of 2007. At the 2005 University World Games in Izmir Turkey, Rowlands won the gold medal at a lighter weight class (96 kg/211.5). With a Team USA No. 1-ranking at 120kg/264.5, Rowlands is a five-time U.S. Team member.

With a trip to the Olympic Trials final on the line, Rowlands, competing for Sunkist Kids, met Steve Mocco of the New York Athletic Club in the final. After winning the first period, 3-0, Rowlands dropped the second period by a 2-0 score. However, Rowlands answered in the deciding stanza and won 1-0. En route to the final, Rowlands dropped Patrick Cummins (NYAC), 1-0, 1-0, in the semifinal. In the first and second rounds, Rowlands bettered Dom Bradley of Sunkist Kids, 6-0, 3-0 and Scott Steele (Navy Mat Club), 6-0, 3-0.

Former Buckeye J.D. Bergman and redshirt-sophomore Reece Humphrey qualified for the Senior National bracket Saturday night after finishing in the Top 8 in the qualifying tournament. Wrestling at 96kg/211.5 pounds for the NYAC, Bergman was forced to bow out of competition because of an injury. Humphrey, representing Ohio State at 60kg/132 pounds, faced eventual champion Shawn Bunch of Gator Wrestling Club and lost, 1-0, 5-0. Humphrey then met Nick Gallick of Sunkist Kids and dropped a 3-1, 1-0 decision

April 24, 2008

U.S. OPEN - THIS WEEKEND

Family, fans and friends of wrestling this is the most important year of the quadrennial for amateur athletes. Tommy Rowlands , 2x NCAA Champion and 5th at the 2007 World Championships and J.D. Bergman, former U.S. National Team member have been preparing their whole life's for the opportunity to represent the United States of America at the Olympic Games. The commitment to be an Olympian is unlike most commitments that life offers us. It is a complete life sacrifice, from physical exhaustion to maximum mental fatigue, leaving your family from weeks on end and setting your personal livelihood completely aside for a dream, a real and attainable dream, that is only months away from becoming reality. Support Tommy and J.D. in their countdown for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. Both will be competing in the U.S. Open this weekend.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR ROWLANDS TO WIN THE OPEN: Due to the fact that Tommy is a returning U.S. team member and 5th in the World he has the opportunity to sit out of the Olympic Trials in June with a title at the U.S. Open this weekend. Winning the Open will provide Tommy with the opportunity to sit out of the mini tournament, which is the Olympic Team Trials, and face the winner in one best out of three series. WHERE: Las Vegas WHEN: April 23-26

OTHERS COMPETING: Nikko Triggas will wrestle 121 in both the FILA JR. and Open division - Bo Touris  will wrestle 121 FILA JR. - Reece Humphrey will wrestle 132 in the Open Division - Lance Palmer will wrestle 145 Open Division - Sean Nemec will wrestle 163 FILA JR. Division

April 22, 2008

ROSSELLI AND RYAN HONORED AS COACHES OF THE YEAR

LOU ROSSELLI - Even people deeply rooted in the sport can underestimate or fail to appreciate people who are truly great at what they do. Lou Rosselli is not only one of the best coaches in the United States , but he is without question one of the most knowledgeable, passionate and caring coaches in the world. Often the word great is overused, it tends lessen the value of something or someone who is truly great. Ohio State wrestling is so grateful to have a coach and person on the staff with the credentials and character as Lou Rosselli. The elite of the elite are hard to come by, but Lou is definitely elite and has earned the great honor of being named U.S.A. wrestling coach of the year. For more information please  CLICK HERE  

TOM RYAN - He is our leader and he has masterminded one of the finest staff of assistant coaches in the country. He plans by design and his mind in like a 24 hour engine. Debate can ensue regarding how we moved from 45th in the country to 2nd in just two short years, but I will simplify the debate. You win with the right people. You win with leadership and direction. You win with unwavering discipline and set goals and the passion to follow through. Tom Ryan has orchestrated all of the above and the success of Ohio State wrestling is only in the infancy stages. No one in the country deserves this award more then Tom Ryan . He has established a culture and expectations that will guide Ohio State wrestling to long term greatness.  Congratulation Tom Ryan you are a great leader! For more information please  CLICK HERE

April 13, 2008

BUCKEYES CROWN 2 MORE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Just weeks after the NCAA Championships 11 Buckeye wrestlers traveled north to Akron , Ohio  to compete at University Freestyle and Greco Roman Nationals. University Nationals showcases the best collegiate aged freestyle wrestlers in the country. The Buckeye contingency was filled with youth. Nine true freshmen tested their freestyle skills, as well as, two upper classman. The first day was Greco Roman where NCAA qualifiers Nikko Triggas and Reece Humphrey competed. The following three days were filled with Freestyle competition.  

GRECO ROMAN NATIONAL CHAMPION NIKKO TRIGGAS: This kid has serious Greco Roman skills. For those who had the pleasure to watch this true freshman compete this past season you know how fun it was to watch him when he was in the top position. His all around Greco skills are reminiscent of his arm bar series in the sense that he is so confident and he knows he is in position to beat anyone in the country.  Nikko had a bounce to him, a confident grin and the love for the sport that drove him to being the best 121 pound Greco Roman wrestler in the Nation. He dominated his competition and did not drop a period en route to his National title. Congratulations to Nikko . Due to his National Title he qualified for the Olympic Trials, which will be held in Las Vegas in early June. Nikko earned the right to sit a top the latter for the University World Team Trials. The trials for the University World Team will be held in Colorado Springs in late May.

FREESTYLE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND GRECO ROMAN ALL-AMERICAN REECE HUMPHREY: Wow! I have said it before and I will say it again - Reece is a phenomenal talent and after watching him compete last weekend I have officially confirmed that he is one of the most naturally talented wrestlers I have ever seen! No exaggeration - his awareness, balance, hips, skills and knowledge of the sport separate him into a very small pool of unbelievably gifted athletes. His freestyle skills are so natural that he undoubtedly has what it takes to reach the highest level of this sport. The quote of the week "Coach, if we are going up a day early I might as well wrestle Greco." - Reece Humphrey. He not only wrestled Greco, which he does not practice, but he was just shy of reaching the finals. Reece lost a close match in the semi finals to the eventual champion. Reece gave the champion his only competitive match of the tournament. Reece stayed focused and wrestled back earning a well deserved third place finish. Throughout the entire competition Reece had 4 five point throws, some of which, I shook my head in amazement. After a great Greco Roman tournament Reece strapped on the shoes for three days of freestyle competition and was lit up the field house with dominate performance and beautiful high scoring techniques. He did not lose one period the entire tournament and gave up only two points. In the finals he wrestled a tough opponent who had beaten him the year before in the third place match. Reece made a statement in the finals. He won 3-0 and 6-0. Incredible tournament Reece! Reece also qualified for the Olympic Trials and has an opportunity to wrestle at the trials for a birth on either the Greco Roman or Freestyle University World Team!

FOR THE REECE HUMPHREY HIGHLIGHT VIDEO PLEASE  CLICK HERE

YOUNG BUCKEYES GET GREAT EXPERIENCE: The following wrestlers competed at University Nationals: Bo Touris , Pat Harrington , Pat Zamaria , Will Livingston , Sean Nemec , Colt Sponseller , Ross Ambrose , Jeremy Sanders , Zach Stolarsky - This trip proved to be a great learning and team bonding experience. Solid effort was put forth by every individual and that is what we ask from any young man who signs up to be a Buckeye. These young men dedicated their weekend for self improvement and will reap the rewards as the progress with their development. Great work!

OHIO STATE HAS BEST NCAA FINISH EVER

What a year! The excitement and passion behind Ohio State wrestling is quickly being recognized by the wrestling community as one of most "dangerous" programs in recent wrestling history. Why dangerous? The country is no longer forced to debate the issue of potential and Ohio State wrestling. The issue of potential has been spoken of for decades. The country is now faced with an Ohio State wrestling program that has finally leaped the hurdle of potential and has awoken the beast known as the Sleeping Giant. The state of Ohio, the alumni, the parents and the student-athletes have all embraced the opportunity presented by the administration and coaching staff to be the best. We want to sincerely thank everyone involved for their support and recognizing the sacrifice and hard work that has gone into making this year the best year ever for the wrestling Buckeyes!

THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS: The NCAA Championships are arguably the greatest competition/ tournament in world (I say this with no hesitation and zero exaggeration). The intensity is nearly unmatched. The adrenaline and personal fight for survival epitomizes competition. The elation of victory which is sometimes defined by seconds is equally paralleled by the agony of defeat. You cheer for Ohio State, yet you can find 10,000 fans supporting a Buckeye, even for one match, because it can make a difference on 1/2 point in the team standings. The wrestling fans are among the most faithful and knowledgeable fans in sport. Maybe wrestling is complex to the mainstream, but as a wresting fan it will rarely get more exciting then the NCAA Championships.

NON COMPETITIVE HIGHLIGHT: Looking at the crowd of nearly 250 screaming Buckeye fans all wearing the same "Block O" shirt was incredible. Fans and parents you made the difference. Our crowd was one of the most noticeable sections in the entire arena and it was often talked about by other coaches and officials. I heard more then once, "We love your crowd!" Great work! It really was inspirational because one year ago the Ohio State contingency was sprinkled amoung 16,000 people. This year we were a fashion statement and next year we will double our crowd!! For a great crowd photo please CLICK HERE.

OHIO STATE PERFORMANCE: What a showing! Ohio State wrestling finished second with a complete team performance. All 7 National Qualifiers contributed to the team score total by winning at least one match. At the end of the day Ohio State finished with four NCAA All-Americans two of which are NCAA Champions! The team race was a tight as any NCAA Championship I can remember. The difference between 2nd and 7th was a very slim 7 team points. The Buckeyes controlled their own destiny and secured a runner up finish after J. Jaggers and Mike Pucillo gained their NCAA titles.

125: Nikko Triggas: Nikko was not only impressive from his growth standpoint as a wrestler but his is a tremendous young man as well. He lost to the #3 and #9 seeded wrestlers, but he did not go down without a fight. In his first wrestle back match Nikko locked up his patented arm bar series and earned two crucial bonus points. Nikko is a student of the sport and competes all year round sharpening his skills in both Greco Roman and Freestyle. His passion for the sport and his experience this past season gives the Buckeyes a very talented underclassman who will only be a sophomore. Great season Nikko!!

133: Reece Humphrey: Incredible talent! He wrestled one of the most exciting yet excruciating matches of the entire tournament. In the quarter finals he wrestled the #1 seed and lost in quadruple overtime. Dramatic and heartbreaking Reece fought his heart out and represented the true spirit of a wrestling Buckeye. He finished one round from an All-American, but his potential for greatness is obvious. Reece has two more years as a Buckeye. He is tremendously gifted and with the right mindset, discipline and sacrifice has the tools to be the very best.

141: NCAA CHAMPION J. Jaggers: He has won on every level and now he is the best college wrestler at 141 pounds in the United States of America. He had an exceptional tournament dismounting the #3, #2 and #1 seeds en route to an NCAA Championship. J. is a leader, a captain, an Academic All-American and role model for young Buckeyes. Congratulations J. on a phenomenal season.

149: NCAA All-American Lance Palmer: He is now a two time All-American and fought tooth and nail in the most competitive weight class in the country. Lance is a proven competitor who can withstand the mental and physical grind of the season. He was seconds away from beating #1 seed Brett Metcalf in the quarter finals. His growth the last few years as a wrestler and a young man has been extremely impressive. He got a 3.0 this quarter and earned All-American status. There is a microscopic line between the top eight guys in the country. The great news is that Lance has the work ethic and ability to make strides to turn his 1 point and overtime loses into victories. He is a true champion!

157: Jason Johnstone: Jason is one of the most unselfish team oriented individuals around. He contributed with several big wins this season including a huge win in the Hofstra dual meet and a spectacular 4th place finish at the Big 10 Championships. Jason won a match at the NCAA Championships helping build the Buckeyes in the team scoring effort.

184: NCAA CHAMPION Mike Pucillo: 30-0* on the season Mike Pucillo is a sophomore National Champion! He is an Academic All-American and a team captain. He has been a pillar of leadership and consistency. I often tell people the greatest part of being involved with this program is that we are blessed to coach incredible young men. Young men who possess great character and integrity. Mike placed 6th last year as a freshman with a separated shoulder. He came back this season and fulfilled a lifelong dream! Congratulations Mike!

HWT: NCAA FINALIST J.D. Bergman: There are only a handful of Ohio State 3x NCAA All-Americans. J.D. makes this elite list. Not only is he an outstanding wrestler, but it will be hard to find a more charismatic kind hearted individual. J.D. is the lone NCAA Buckeye competitor to graduate and his presence as an athlete will be sorely missed. Prior to the NCAA Championships J.D. was constantly reminded that he was the most athletic heavyweight in the country and we could not be any more proud of the effort he exerted in St. Louis. J.D. is a true ambassador of the sport and we are honored that he will be known as an Ohio State Buckeye. J.D. plans to remain in Columbus and help the program reach its ultimate goal of winning an NCAA team title.

Jaggers, Pucillo Win National Titles; Buckeyes Finish Second

ST. LOUIS – J Jaggers and Mike Pucillo, members of the Ohio State wrestling team, were crowned 2008 NCAA National Champions to give the Buckeyes their first individual national championship since 2004. Senior heavyweight J.D. Bergman was an NCAA runner-up and sophomore Lance Palmer finished eighth, giving the Buckeyes four All-Americans for the second-consecutive year. As a team, Ohio State finished second with 79 points. The second-place finish is the best standing for the Buckeyes in program history. Ohio State’s previous best was third (tie) in 2004.

The Buckeyes never have had three finalists in the NCAA championships. In 1993, the Scarlet and Gray advanced two wrestlers to the finals in 1993 national champion and two-time All-American Rex Holman and two-time national champion and three-time All-American Kevin Randleman. Ohio State and Iowa were the only programs in the 2008 edition of the championships to qualify three finalists.

Jaggers, a redshirt-junior, became the first 2008 champion for the Buckeyes, defeating No. 1-seed Chad Mendes of Cal Poly, 5-2, at 141 pounds. After a scoreless first period, Jaggers scored an escape early in the second to take a slim 1-0 lead. However, Mendes responded with an escape of his own in the final period to tie the score at 1-1, but Jaggers countered with a takedown with 45 seconds left and followed with a two-point nearfall at the 37-second mark to go up 5-1. Jaggers was forced to take an injury timeout with just 16 seconds remaining after suffering a leg injury and despite giving up an escape to Mendes, held on for the victory.

At 184 pounds, Pucillo, redshirt-sophomore, clinched the second-place team finish for the Buckeyes when he downed No. 1-seed Jake Varner of Iowa State on a tiebreaking riding time advantage of six seconds. In the two wrestlers’ first-ever collegiate meeting, they went scoreless after the first period. After taking the down position, Pucillo scored an escape early in the second stanza, but Varner, who was the 2007 runner-up, evened the score on an escape of his own in the third period. With the score knotted at one apiece, Pucillo and Varner went into two sudden victories and tiebreaking sessions before Pucillo won on the riding time.

In his third matchup against Northwestern’s No. 1-seed Dustin Fox, Bergman dropped a heartbreaking 4-2 decision in the final. All three of Bergman’s losses this season have come from Fox. With the scored tied, 1-1, at the end of the third period, the match was forced into overtime. Neither wrestler could score in the sudden victory period, but each grappler tacked on an escape in both 30-second tiebreakers. It was in the second sudden victory Fox scored a takedown to win his second-consecutive national championship.

At 149 pounds, Lance Palmer became a two-time All-American Saturday. In the seventh-place matchup, Palmer dropped a 3-2 decision to No.2-seed Dustin Schlatter of Minnesota.

2008 NCAA Wrestling Championships
March 20-22
Scottrade Center
St. Louis, Mo.
Day Three Final

Team Scoring

Big 10 Recap
Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Release: 03/17/2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Big 10 Championships mark the culmination of preparation, mental toughness and for some the end of their season and perhaps their career. The tournament possesses each competitor as they fight for their bid to represent their school and conference at the NCAA tournament. As for emotions for both the coaches and athletes, well you might as well toss those emotions into a blender because at the end of the day you can only rely on the fact that each of your athletes are so mentally disciplined that they avoid the blade. With all of the ups and all of the downs Ohio State qualified 7 wrestlers to the NCAA tournament. Progress and development are key ingredients to the current and future success of Buckeye wrestling. Building and sustaining a championship program involves so many key components. Fortunately, Ohio State is building something special and the results reflective in the tremendous strides of the program. Here are some comparison numbers from the Big Ten Championships the last three years:

PERFORMANCES: For more information on the Big 10 tournament please CLICK HERE

Recap: The Buckeyes finished less then 5 points out of third place in a very competitive team race. The following will be breakdown of all 10 Ohio State wrestlers. The season has been a complete team effort and the Big 10 Tournament was no different. The youth and talent on this Buckeye squad is a motivating factor for the current and future success.

125: True Freshman Nikko "Buttercup" Triggas wrestled an exceptional tournament in a very tough lightweight field. He was up 4-0 at the end of the first to second seeded Charlie Faulk of Iowa. After an early takedown, two points for nearfall and nearly 2:30 seconds of riding time Nikko earned the hard fought lead. Experience paid off for Faulk as he stayed composed and fought back for a 7-4 victory. Nikko then pinned his Purdue opponent and had to wrestle Mark McKnight from Penn State in order to secure a spot for the NCAA Championships. McKnight, a fifth year senior, and Triggas had split matches up to this point and the young Triggas performed in what may have been one of the best, hard fought matches of the tournament. Nikko downed the senior 9-6. Nikko went on to place 6th.

133: Talk about an emotional tournament and an emotion coaching experience, Reece Humphrey possesses the ability to pick apart his opponents with his athletic flow and slick shots. His talents exceed the "typical" wrestler and that is why he has the tools to stand atop the podium at the NCAA championships. In Vegas he pinned the number one ranked guy in the country. At big 10's he was winning in dominant fashion over both of his opponents he lost to. Andre Hernandez, an All-American from Indiana was trailing Reece 7-4 with less then 15 seconds left in the match. An awkward position was forced during the action and a very frustrated Hernandez, who had no answer for what Reece was throwing at him, secured a 5 point move in the closing seconds. Reece qualified for the show and is excited to combine both his talent and the crucial time of year to his best performance to date, and believe me when that happens his opponents could find themselves having no answer for 7 straight minutes.

141: NCAA All-American and Academic All-American J. Jaggers summoned a great deal of focus and composure en route to a 3rd place finish. After dropping a tough first round lost to All-American Manny Rivera in the first round, J. showed the mental discipline needed be the best wrestler in the United States of America. In many ways Reece and J. are similar. Not so much in style, but definitely in potential. J. has beat many of the top 141 pound wrestlers in the country. He is confident, he is healthy and he wants to win an NCAA title with extreme passion. Jaggers avenged a very important loss to Dan Leclere in the wrestle backs. He looked solid with two takedowns for the victory. Followed by that win J. racked up some valuable team points with an impressive fall for his 3rd place finish.

149: All-American Lance Palmer, in my opinion, is without question in the toughest and deepest weight class in the country. The great news is two fold. One, this weight class epitomizes the word the competition and the season grind will funnel the Nation's eight best in just one week. Two, Lance Palmer is an animal. His training and his mentality are elite. The Big 10 tournament showcased 7 of the best wrestlers in the weight and many have been beating each other up all year long. The difference the #1 and #12 wrestlers is so incrementally small. Palmer was winning heading into the third against #1 ranked Metcalf, then pinned #2 ranked Schlatter, then at Big 10's avenged an earlier season loss to High School teammate and dangerous competitor Ryan Lang. Lance defaulted for a sixth place finish losing two extremely close matches. Lance is a fighter and is ready to shine at NCAA's.

157: Jason Johnstone! Jason Johnstone! Unselfish and an extremely hard worker every drip of sweat that has ever come off of his head earned him a hard fought and well deserved 4th place finish. A huge victory came against his Michigan opponent Jeff Marsh. Marsh, who defeated #1 ranked Mike Poeta from Illinois only weeks ago, is a stingy and tough wrestler. Johnstone had been defeated by Marsh at Michigan dual, but displayed a tremendous amount of poise for a sweet over time victory. Heading into the tournament Johnstone was unseeded and had a 1-8 dual meet record in the Big 10 dual meet season. He avenged two loses and contributed huge points to the Buckeye team total.

165: Adversity will make us stronger and Colt Sponseller is a young man who is already training for next season. Often the sport and life in general deals you a hand and you are forced to make the best of it. The adversity is not reflective of potential or effort; it just is what it is. In this case Colt lost a very close over time bout against Roger Smith-Bergsrud in the first round. In the wrestle backs Colt faced a Purdue opponent who defeated him and then wrestled all the way back to place third. His defeat will never negate the fact the Colt Sponseller is an impact wrestler. He is a leader and a true competitor. His contribution to this team in invaluable and he represents what we expect from a Buckeye. We often remind ourselves that he is a true freshman who stepped into the line up near mid-season after rebounding from a broken hand. He is special!

174: Alex Picazo, a fifth year senior, had a tough season. Fortunately, this sport or any sport does not define who we are and what we work for. This program often emphasizes character and life after the sport of wrestling. Alex is an extremely hard worker. He holds nearly a 4.0 in his academics. He is one of the finest most well rounded young men that this coaching staff has ever been around. The great news is that Alex is a successful human being and this sport will provide him with invaluable experiences that he will utilize in professional career.

184: Mike Pucillo is the 2008 Big 10 Champion! Huge congratulations on a very intense finals battle versus Tyrel Todd of Michigan. Mike has looked incredible all year long and he continues to rack up victories over the Nations best. Todd and Pucillo have created on the best college rivalries on the circuit. Mike earned his way into the finals by majoring #8 seed A.J. Kissel of Purdue. Then Mike wrestled Roger Kish in the semi finals, who had to default due to injury. In the finals Mike held strong position and then hit a beautiful low level swing single for to secure his first Big 10 title. Mike will enter the NCAA tournament as the #2 seed with a 25-0 record.

197: John Weakley earned a victory and secured bonus points for the Buckeyes by pinning Anthony Biondo from Michigan. Weakley hit an aggressive switch which he then turned into a headlock to get the fall. Biondo defeated Weakley at the Michigan dual. Followed by the Biondo pin Weakley put himself in contention to represent the Buckeyes at the NCAA Championship with one more victory. Unfortunately, John lost in over time to Purdue and then for the 7th place spot (this is the last automatic qualifier) John was winning 5-0 and had the Minnesota on his back, but John was also on his back and unable to correct his position and the referee called a defensive fall. John is a true freshman who said this on the way home from the Big 10 tournament, "I would not change one thing about this season. I learned so much and I will get better from this." That is a good attitude.

HWT: J.D. Bergman made the Big 10 finals for the third time in four appearances. He earned sold victories throughout before dropping a 2-0 decision in the finals to Dustin Fox of Northwestern. J.D. Bergman has two major advantages over his heavyweight competition. One, he is extremely athletic. Two, he really knows how to wrestle. These two factors are key for him next weekend. The athletic Bergman who creates action separates himself from the entire field. J.D. has had tremendous success as a heavyweight and has been a pillar of leadership for this team. His record and outstanding senior season deserve nothing less then an NCAA title. He has the tools, he has the plan and next weekend he will have his opportunity to put it all together and separate himself as the best heavyweight in the United States.

Tommy Rowlands Wins Gold at Pan Am Championships
Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Release: 03/03/2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Tommy Rowlands, assistant coach for the Ohio State wrestling team, continued his bid for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team after winning the gold medal at the 2008 Pan American Championships Sunday in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Competing at 120kg/264.5 pounds at the Olympic Training Center, Rowlands shut out Brazil’s Antoine Jaoude, 2-0, 4-0, in the gold-medal match. En route to the final, Rowlands, a 2007 U.S. World Team member, pinned world champion Alexis Rodriguez of Cuba in 1:54 in the opening match earlier Sunday.

“That was a big win for me,” Rowlands said. “He (Rodriguez) is a seven-time world medalist. This doesn’t put me on the Olympic Team. It’s definitely a nice steppingstone for me and one that I am proud of.”

After downing Rodriguez, Rowlands held Canada’s Arjan Bhullar scoreless to win, 3-0, 2-0, in the semifinals, setting up the gold-medal match against Jaoude.

Rowlands’ gold medal helped the United States win the Pan Am championships with 64 points, edging Cuba for the title, which compiled 59 points.

In his quest to compete at the Olympic Games in Beijing, Rowlands will participate at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials June 13-15 in Las Vegas.

Tommy Rowland's Olympic Blog:
This is my twentieth year of wrestling, and I am closing in on my Olympic dream. It seems like yesterday when my father drove me up to the Clearfork Biddy Tournament near Cleveland, Ohio for my first taste of the sport. I have wrestled thousands of matches since then, and been able to travel all over the world. To say that wrestling has molded me in to the person I am today would be an understatement. As my old coach Russ Hellickson would say, I have learned the law of the harvest------“You plant the seed, you water the seed, you fertilize the seed and you weed the seed. If you do those things, and only if you do them, you will harvest." I feel like anything that is difficult to achieve requires the same attention and commitment as the law of the harvest. I have been committed to reaching my potential as a wrestler for my entire life. I believe that my potential is to be an Olympic Champion. Hopefully, I am able to bring in the harvest that I have been working for since 1987.

I will wrestle in the U.S. Open on April 25 th . This event sets the stage for the final Olympic Trial. READ MORE >>