TDR this Wk- Martin, Freidenberg, Art Weiss, Steenlage, Hipps, Bross, Jay Hieron

Posted on | April 9, 2008 | No Comments

We return to the Brute adidas TDR studios this week in Des Moines for another exciting and informative show. This week we’ll take a look at history, what’s current and even the future, yes I said the future. On a very bright note, we set a record for the total number of listeners who tuned in the broadcast from St. Louis and the Championships of the NCAA. We blew away our best numbers from last year with no technical difficulties. Thank goodness. Thanks to ALL of our sponsors and to our valued listeners who have listened and even watched us grow over the years. This is wrestling and we ALL are warriors of this sport. Thanks again!

Scheduled on the show this week-

Steve Martin- Head Coach of Old Dominion, Steve is credited with the rebound of wrestling at the Monarchs home. Along with his assistants he coached ODU to a good finish. James Nicholson, ODU’s newest All-American, wrestled in the 7th place match up against Brandon Precin (Northwestern) on Saturday morning, falling to the Wildcat grappler 5-2. Nicholson comes home with the 8th place finish in the 125-lb weight class at the 2008 NCAA Tournament while the Monarchs posted 10 total team points good for a tie at 35th place. Nicholson and Precin matched up earlier in the season with Precin taking the win 4-2. After winning three bouts in his first NCAA Tournament appearance, Nicholson matched up with the Northwestern wrestler again, and the result was nearly the same. Still, Nicholson’s 3-3 tournament was the best ever under head coach Steve Martin and ODU’s best since 1995.

The last All-American for the Monarchs was Nick Hall at heavyweight 13 years ago. Nicholson became the 22nd All-American in program history as he helped tally 10 team points to finish in a tie for 35th place ahead of perennial powers Oklahoma and UT Chattanooga.

Bart Freidenberg (Fry-den-berg) Director of the Ohio Tournament of Champions. Joins us to discuss this years huge event that will be held at the Columbus Convention Center – in Columbus, OH. April 26th. There’s still time for kids and coaches to get registered for this the largest 1 day tournament in the world. Check out their web site for more information- Ohiotofc.com next year date change (April 25, 2009)

Arthur J. Weiss- Largely known as “The father of Pennsylvania High School Wrestling” joins us to uncover the history of our sport in the Keystone state. He coaches for over 25 years and enjoyed undefeated seasons 13 of 14 years. A big thank you to Norm Palovcsik for helping to make this happen. Norm is one of the great historians of this sport. Much of what we know today Norm has uncovered and been able to piece back together.

Bob Steenlage- Iowa’s first 4 Time Mat Champion. Now Iowa’s First 4-Time Mat Champion is Available to Iowa Schools Iowa’s first four-time state wrestling champion Bob Steenlage is available to Iowa schools for assemblies and speaking engagements. Steenlage won his four prep titles, wrestling for Britt from 1959 through 1962 and now lives in Wisconsin. He delivers an inspiring message of hope, overcoming personal and imposed hurdles, coping with peer pressure, setting goals, and decision making for audiences of upper elementary through high school. He is the subject of author Mike Chapman’s book, “Fighting Back.” The book chronicles Steenlage’s life including achievements, growing up in Britt, his education at West Point and military service in Vietnam. Chapman notes the trauma of war and its effects and how Steenlage came to grips with ensuing problems that led to his passion for helping today’s youth. Call the Wrestling Museum at (319)-233-0745 Limited supply with a few left.
He can be reached in writing at W24418 Holcomb Coulee Rd.; Galesville, WI 54630-8411, or calling 608/323-2065.

Andrew Hipps- Ace writer and founder of Revwrestling.com joins us to discuss the season, His observations of the NCAA’s and wrestling in general. Andrew is one of the truly good guys in the sport. It’s a pleasure to have him back on TDR. He should have some interesting perspectives. Tune in and check him out.
Jason Bross- The Wrestling Coach Monsignor Farrell HS (volunteer) on Staten Island, NY. Wrestled for SUNY Albany, NY. at 118lbs. Also specialized in Greco. His cause, our cause is Pinning Down Autism. He’s hosting and Holding the 2nd annual Takedown Tournament and BBQ for Autism. Wrestling this neurological disorder is a daily task and now affects 1 of 150 children born in the USA. Why?
Jason’s 7 year old son, Dylan has mid level version of Autism. Jason, takes Dylan to practice, to tournaments, trips and has him around wrestling and wrestlers on a frequent basis. Guess who it helps most? The kids. The wrestlers have embraced Dylan and now know more about this disorder. Opening eyes and hearts to the greater good. Visit Pinningdownautism.com

IFL Champion, former Hofstra Wrestler “The Thorobred” Jay Hieron has enjoyed considerable success in the IFL, combining his exceptional wrestling skills with an ever-improving striking game. He became the IFL’s first welterweight champion after defeating Delson Heleno in the finals of the World Grand Prix in December of 2007.

A Long Island, N.Y.-native, Hieron was a junior college All-American wrestler before deciding to try his hand at MMA. He moved to Las Vegas and began training at Xtreme Couture, where he quickly began down the path to becoming a complete mixed martial artist.

Hieron is one of the most athletically gifted fighters in the IFL, and his work ethic has ensured that his conditioning is never in doubt. Alongside other Team Tompkins teammates, he has helped make the gym a destination for fighters everywhere looking to improve their skills. Now a champion in the IFL, he is the man to beat in the 170-pound division.