check out what's new on our site!!





Mike Letts Joins Navy Wrestling Staff

Posted on | July 5, 2011 | No Comments


Three-time NCAA qualifier Mike Letts comes to Navy from Maryland.

2011 All-American Mike Letts

2011 All-American Mike Letts

June 15, 2011

 

 

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Three-time NCAA qualifier and 2011 All-American Mike Letts has joined the Naval Academy wrestling staff it was announced on Wednesday by 12th-year Navy wrestling coach Bruce Burnett.”I am excited to have Mike join our wrestling staff and become part of the Naval Academy family,” said Burnett, the former U.S. Olympic Freestyle Team head coach who has amassed a 101-50 record at the helm of the Midshipmen program. “His accomplishments in the sport of wrestling along, with his character, integrity and youthful maturity make him a perfect fit for the program. There is no doubt that his contribution will make a positive impact on our athletes right away.”

“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to begin my coaching career at such an upstanding and respectable program as the United States Naval academy,” said Letts. “I only hope to help build upon its winning tradition and maintain what is an already impeccable reputation.”

A 2011 graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Letts spent five years in College Park wrestling for former Terrapins coach Pat Santoro, now at Lehigh, and the last three years under the guidance of Kerry McCoy. Letts was a three-time ACC Champion, winning the 174-pound title as a freshman (2006-07), sophomore (2007-08) and senior (2010-11) and in each of those seasons punched his ticket to compete on the ultimate stage, the NCAA Championship.

Letts began his career by producing a 31-7 record as a rookie, including an 18-3 dual mark, and becoming the Terps’ first true freshman to advance to the NCAA Tournament since 1990. A year later he claimed his second ACC title via an undefeated mark in conference action and qualified for his second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance behind a 23-6 record. He also garnered ACC Scholar-Athlete recognition in his sophomore season.

As a junior in 2008-09, Letts stepped away from team competition and spent the season dominating the open tournament circuit where he put together a 26-3 record. He opened the year winning his first 16 matches and won titles at Eastern Michigan, NC State, East Stroudsburg and Penn State.

He returned to the Maryland lineup in 2009-10, but an injury suffered in January would end his season prematurely. Ranked as high ast No. 4 during the season, he closed out the year with a 19-4 record.

Letts came back strong and enjoyed his most successful season as a senior. Voted by his peers to serve as Maryland’s team captain, he put together his second 30-win season, boasting a 32-8 record which featured a 15-2 mark in dual action. He began he final season by capturing wins in 15 of his first 16 matches. Letts earned a 4-2 victory over fourth-ranked Chris Henrich of Virginia to win his third ACC title and was named the 2010-11 ACC Tournament Most Outstanding Wrestler. He went on post a 4-2 record and seventh-place finish at the NCAA Championship, which featured a 9-2 victory over eighth-ranked Nick Heflin of Ohio State to clinch All-America honors.

Letts closed out his collegiate career with a 131-28 record, including a 59-11 dual mark.

### Go Navy ###

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Casber
Founder/Host
Takedown Wrestling Radio and TV
USA Wrestling Weekly
515-707-8657

 

INJURY FORCES REES OUT OF MATHEWS CLASH

Posted on | July 5, 2011 | No Comments


Autumn date mooted as hand problem rules Euro champ out of Cardiff fight

Gavin Rees has been forced to withdraw from his European Lightweight title defence against Derry Mathews on July 23 in Cardiff.

Rees was due to defend the title against the English champion in the Motorpoint Arena venue where he won the belt against Andy Murray in June, but a damaged hand during training has forced the “gutted” Welshman out of the fight.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that the fight will be rescheduled later this year and hopes that a date in September or October can be fixed soon.

Fans who purchased tickets for the show will receive a full refund from their point of purchase.

 

Wrestling Links (7-5-11)

Posted on | July 5, 2011 | No Comments

Wrestling club nets All-American titles
St. George Daily Spectrum
The nine members of the Mesquite Bulldog Wrestling Club who competed in last week’s USAWrestling Youth Nationals in Farmington, Utah didn’t win any gold medals, but they did combine to earn 12 All-American titles. Ty Smith (70-Novice), 
See all stories on this topic »


WWE/TNA: What Conspiracies R-Truth and I Believe in Pro Wrestling Right Now
Bleacher Report
So I decided to put together a slideshow R-Truth would be proud of by declaring five conspiracies (which are probably untrue) that are happening in not only WWE but the world of Pro Wrestling. *Please note that these are not facts, this slideshow is 
See all stories on this topic »



Bleacher Report
Lineup set for local wrestlers to face Germans
Billings Gazette
The lineup for the local Billings area wrestling squad that will face off against a cultural-exchange team from Germany in an exhibition freestyle wrestling dual has been set. The German team is in The Treasure State and will visit Columbia Falls and 
See all stories on this topic »


Pulse Wrestling’s WWE RAW Report – 07.04.2011: The 4th of July #1 Contendership
Inside Pulse
by Rhett Davis – July 4, 2011 | Email the author Welcome to the Inside Pulse Wrestling Live RAW Report and I am your new host Rhett Davis! You may know me from my 10 Thoughts on WWE Monday Night Raw or my weekly The O’Really Report column. 
See all stories on this topic »


Exclusive: Major Heat on Ric Flair Over TNA NYC Situation
Wrestlezone
by Nick Paglino WrestleZone has spoken with several TNA wrestlers who have confirmed reports there is enormous backstage heat on Nature Boy Ric Flair following a bizarre situation that took place in Brooklyn, New York during TNA’s house show on Friday 
See all stories on this topic »


Pro Wrestling: Manami Toyota Is the Greatest Women’s Wrestler Ever
Bleacher Report
Best Japanese women’s wrestler of all-time. What comes to your mind when you read this phrase? Probably a woman, known for her flash in the pan in ring moves, who wrestled in Japan and won many titles. But is that it? Does it mean that being born in
See all stories on this topic »



Bleacher Report
Lucha Libre: A Look at the Best International Wrestling Style of All Time
Bleacher Report
When I was asked to pick the best International Wrestling style for the CvC competition, it really came down to two. Japanese Strong Style, known as Puroresu, or Lucha Libre. I took into account who I liked from both disciplines, and which style 
See all stories on this topic »



Bleacher Report
More wrestlers lobby for WWE to induct Arn Anderson into the 2012 HOF
Examiner.com
Funniest dude in wrestling– “look at this swingin di*k”” Obviously, there’s a joke here that I do not even want to touch. Jericho worked with Anderson in both WCW and the WWE. Their wrestlingbrethren William Regal also proclaimed that Anderson 
See all stories on this topic »


July 5: Inwood Marine Video, Clowning Around and Hewlett Wrestling Reflections
Patch.com
Hewlett recently saw its original wrestlers depart. Check out our feature on the program at 5 pm Interested in a follow-up to this article? Great, we’ll send you an email as soon as a follow-up is published!
See all stories on this topic »


Blogs
Step Into the Ring With ‘Mongo Wrestling Alliance’ Creator Tommy 
By Charles Webb
To look at his resume, Mongo Wrestling Alliance creator Tommy Blacha has done a little bit of everything: in the 90’s, he was a writer for Late Night With Conan O’Brien, where he developed the PimpBot5000 character. 
MTV Geek
Elderly Web Sensation Rips Into TNA Impact Wrestling – Wrestlezone.com
By Nick Paglino
Elderly Web Sensation Rips Into TNA Impact Wrestling. by Nick Paglino Jul 04, 2011. Internet sensation “The Angry Grandpa” ripped into TNA Wrestling on his “Angry Grandpa Show” viral video series. This really has to be seen to be 
WRESTLEZONE.com


More On The Debut Of QWEST Wrestling, Highspots Sale 
More On The Debut Of QWEST Wrestling, Highspots Sale.
WrestlingInc.com Pro Wrestling News

 

Alaskan Assassin Fights for Belts and The American Way

Posted on | July 4, 2011 | No Comments

 

By: Holli Yargo

With the esteemed distinction of being a charter member of The Ultimate Fighter and veteran of the UFC, Sam Hoger has fought everyone from Forrest Griffin to Lyoto Machida. He’s been involved in two of the biggest MMA organizations: The UFC and The IFL. Right now, he’s the Urban Rumble cruiserweight champion. Just another fighter? Hardly.

Born in Baton Rouge, LA, Hoger spent his teens in Eagle River, AK during the era of Alaskan Boxing Great Cody Koch, known as “The Alaskan Assassin.” The boxer died under questionable circumstances in a Michigan bar in 1998. Already training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with an eye on a career in mixed martial arts, Hoger approached Michelle Koch, Cody Koch’s wife, asking for her blessing to carry on the moniker.

“She showed me the gear he would fight in and his write-ups; it was surreal,” Hoger recalls. “At the time, I thought it was kind of like Zorro not letting the name die. When I’m done, I wonder who will be the next ‘Alaskan Assassin.’ I hope the legacy continues.”

The light heavyweight graduated from Louisiana State University, double-majoring in Political Science and Philosophy, founding the LSU BJJ team while he studied. He trained under an extension of the Carlson Gracie Team lead by Roni Salas and Chris Siefert, naming Siefert as a personal hero and his biggest influence. Of Siefert, Hoger says, “The work Chris did with me when I was college helped me decide to focus on a future in MMA.”

Upon graduation, Hoger took possession of his diploma and headed to Iowa–despite his parents’ objections–to train in mixed martial arts with Miletich Fighting Systems. That decision would change his life.

Undefeated in his first four professional bouts as a Miletich Elite Pro Team Member, top-ranked MMA manager Joe Cavallero took notice and escorted Hoger to Las Vegas for a meeting with UFC President Dana White. Zuffa, the mother company of the UFC, wanted to produce a reality show that would put a group of hungry up-and-comers in a house with no television, no radios, no books except the Bible, a lot of alcohol, and no women to see how they would relate while battling each other for the title of The Ultimate Fighter.

Sam Hoger was in. “I saw opportunity to reach my goals, and they saw something that made them pick me,” he reflects. “Being a part of the show was a great move for me, the UFC, and Mixed Martial Arts as a whole. We [the cast of season one] are the reason MMA is where it is today. That feels good.”

But after becoming a reality TV star, competing in what is arguably the most important cage in the industry, and training with Pat Miletich, what’s next? For Sam Hoger, it was becoming a business owner by opening a Miletich Fighting Systems gym in Houston, TX. Then, in July 2009, he was awarded his BJJ black belt by Ted Stickel at Gracie Barra Alaska.

After receiving his black belt, becoming certified as a Gracie Barra jiu jitsu instructor and earning his first degree from Professor Monteiro, he received Pat Miletich’s blessing to open Hoger Mixed Martial Arts in Houston where’s he’s been successfully training up fighters and helping non-fighters get fit for the last two years. But, of course, that’s not enough for the ambitious college graduate.

Sam Hoger, educated in the political sciences, also has a keen interest in reshaping and improving the way our country is run.

“I believe people should be more involved,” he asserts. “The hands off approach most Americans are taking is equivalent to driving a motorcycle with no hands on the steering wheel at 100 miles per hour.”

He compares the current American government to a “modern day Roman Empire” and sees the irony that MMA, often referred to as a “gladiator sport,” is quickly becoming the most popular sport in America today. Paying to watch gladiators fight for their lives in the Coliseum was the most popular spectacle during the fall of the historic Roman Empire.
In addition to running a MMA gym, he’s also involved with Victory Enterprises, helping to pass legislation to provide tax incentives for parents who invest in their children’s education.

Will he ever run for office? “One day I will run for office,” he comments. “I’m an independent right now; it’s part of being an educated political science major. There are more sides to politics than just what the two parties are presenting.”

California Elite’s Anthony Wesley Looks to 2016 Olympics, Talks to Takedown!

Posted on | July 4, 2011 | No Comments

California Elite Team member Anthony Wesley takes time out of his practice day to talk with Scott Casber of Takedown wrestling. Recently Wesley turned 14 years old and advanced up the 2011  U.S. Future Olympian Rankings from 12th to 2nd on the Themat.com.

Anthony and his father August are taking part on the 2016 Future Olympians camp and training sessions at Colorado Springs this 4th of July weekend.

Scott Casber
Founder/Host
Takedown Wrestling Radio and TV
USA Wrestling Weekly
515-707-8657

 

Cruz takes out Carrasquillo in six to thrill hometown fans in Bethlehem—FIGHT CARD NOW ON DEMAND ON GFL

Posted on | July 4, 2011 | No Comments

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK/BETHLEHEM, PA (July 4, 2011)—Ronald Cruz firmly established himself as one of the top prospects in the Welterweight division as he scored a sixth round stoppage over rough and tumble veteran Doel Carrasquillo in front of his hometown fans that highlighted the first ever boxing event at The Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem

That main event plus a full undercard can be seen On-Demand on www.gfl.tv for just $9.99 by clicking:
http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Ronald_Cruz_vs_Doel_Carrasquillo_/1086

Early on Cruz was landing tapping shots that had Carrasquillo gesturing and mocking Cruz in an attempt to discourage the young twenty-four year old.  Cruz was not discouraged as he systematically ramped up his attack and began to pound the body of Carrasquillo.

One would get the feeling that Carrasquillo was always in the fight because he seemed to be loading up for that one shot that may turn the tables.

Cruz would never let Carrasquillo get that opportunity has he continued that body assault and started mixing in quick combinations to the head.

In round six, Cruz landed some more hard body shots that hurt Carrasquillo.  Carrasquillo turned his back to Cruz and Cruz ran after him and landed a few more shots for which Carrasquillo pulled a “No Mas” and the fight was over at 1:09 of round six.

It was assumed that Carrasquillo had suffered some form of a rib injury from all the shots he took to his flank region.

Cruz, 146 lbs of Bethlehem, PA is now 13-0 with ten knockouts.  Carrasquillo, 146 ½ lbs of Lancaster, PA is now 15-18-1.

In one of the co-features, Bryne Green and Eilud Torres fought to an entertaining draw in a Lightweight bout.

Both guys had their moments with Torres rocking Green at the end of round three.  Green showed the superior speed but Torres showed a bit more diversity to his game.

Scores were 58-57 for Green; 58-56 for Torres and 57-57.

Torres, 134 lbs of nearby Allentown, PA is now 5-2-3.  Green, 132 ½ lbs of Vineland, NJ is now 6-4-1.

Rashad Brown was methodical in taking a six round unanimous decision over Omar Sims in a Super Middleweight fight.

Brown sent to Sims to the canvas with a big uppercut in round two and controlled the action with his size and coasted to the victory by scores of 60-53 on all cards.

Brown, 164 ¼ lbs of Philadelphia is now 5-0.  Sims, 166 lbs of Baltimore is now 5-4-3.

The opener was a four round Featherweight bout that saw Cesar Gonzalez and Joshua Arocho battle to a draw.

Scores were 38-38 on all cards.

Gonzalez, 128 lbs of Reading, PA is now 0-0-2.  Arocho, 126 lbs of Vineland, NJ is now 1-4-1.

Grayson Blake scored a four round unanimous decision over Anthony Abrams in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Scores were 40-36; 40-36 and 39-37 for Blake, 151 lbs of York, PA and is now 3-0.  Abrams, 156 lbs of Philadelphia is now 1-7.

In a rematch of a draw that took place on May 21st, William Miranda took a close four round unanimous decision over Zeferino Albino in a Heavyweight bout

Miranda was cut from around his right eye but was more active as they both traded many body shots.

Scores were 40-36; 40-36 and 39-37 for Miranda, 222 lbs of Allentown, PA and is now 3-3-1.  Albino, 202 lbs of Philadelphia is now 4-13-3.

Coming off a five year layoff, Chris Plebani scored a four round unanimous decision over David Navarro in a Welterweight bout featuring winless fighters.

Scores were 40-36l 39-37 and 39-38 for Plebani, 145 lbs of Bristol, PA and is now 1-2.  Navarro, 151 ½ lbs of Philadelphia is 0-4.

This entertaining card was promoted by J Russell Peltz and Peltz Boxing promotions.

Boxing on GFL

Thurs July 7—Punchin at The Paradise 12—Undefeated Bryant Pappas (12-0, 12 KO’s)

 

August Wesley and his California Elite Team In Colorado @USAW, Talks to Takedown

Posted on | July 4, 2011 | No Comments

Coach August Wesley and his California Elite Team has been on a roll winning the intermediate division of the California Freestyle State Championships and individual weight class performances from Anthony Wesley, Justin Hall, Pete Herrera, Devan Turner, Carlos Alvarez, Syrus Anderson and many others. The goal they have is to win as much as possible learning along the way.

This 4th of July we found Coach and his son away from home at the 2016 Olympic Camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Having been released for the day from camp Coach and his son now look forward to a little BBQ with fellow Olympic hopefuls, coaches and their families.

Something is going on in Nor Cal. Check out this interview with Coach August Wesley of California Elite Team.

Scott Casber
Founder/Host
Takedown Wrestling Radio and TV
USA Wrestling Weekly
515-707-8657

 

The Lion’s Den: New Home of Young Lions and Dogboxers

Posted on | July 4, 2011 | No Comments

A few kids learn some fundamentals from Sean Shamrock during classes at the storied "Lion's Den." The Lion's Den is a mixed martial arts team and training facility that was based out of Susanville, California but has recently moved its headquarters to Reno, Nevada.

By: Holli Yargo

Ken Shamrock’s famed Lion’s Den has been producing champions for around 20 years. The camp was known for its brutal tryouts intended to separate the game from the cur with grueling drills that included-but certainly weren’t limited to-500 squats, 200 push-ups, carrying a man of equal weight on one’s back for a two-mile run, and much more.

These days, however, Shamrock’s tryouts are more sophisticated, keeping in line with the growing sophistication of the sport of mixed martial arts. Now, heart alone is not enough. Serious competitors must be able to demonstrate general toughness, genuine skill, potential to continue learning and developing, and the all-important heart.

From the shadows of myriad successful Lion’s Den alum such as Guy Mezger, Jerry Bohlander, and Roy Nelson, rise two new and bright future stars. And, unlike many of the Den’s members, they didn’t have to travel far to get there. In fact, they only had to catch a ride to the gym with their dads. These future phenoms are Sean Shamrock and Briggs Foreman, sons of Ken Shamrock and Lance Foreman.

Sean Shamrock

Sean denies that his famous father was his only inspiration for training in the sport, “I wouldn’t mind the popularity of being famous in a sport where you’re recognized a lot,” he says with a laugh. “Maybe one day I’ll meet Taylor Swift or someone cute like that.”

Make no mistake; Sean Shamrock is serious about fighting. He started training while still in high school and made his MMA debut July 31, 2010 at a King of the Cage event, stepping in for injured older brother Ryan. After crippling opponent Lucas Goulet with an ankle lock-perfected and made famous by his dad-Sean threw a head kick, knocking out Goulet and sealing Shamrock’s first win.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t his only battle. Even before graduating high school, Shamrock discovered in March of 2011 that he’d be facing his most daunting opponent ever when doctors diagnosed him with kidney cancer.

Sean Shamrock in the hospital with his mom Tina.

 

“Well, they told me I wouldn’t be able to fight,” Shamrock recalls. “That was my main concern. I wasn’t worried about the cancer, because I felt I would be fine because I had God on my side…I was mainly shocked at the fact they said I wouldn’t be able to fight.”

But he did fight. Missing prom in order to have a surgery that would save his affected organ, Shamrock got back in the gym the moment he was cleared to do so. With a work ethic that includes considering cancer and surgery to be mere obstacles to overcome, it’s only taken him about four months to decide it’s time to fight again.

Briggs Foreman

Briggs Foreman may not be a name you’ve heard of, but according to the Lion’s Den this 21-year-old amateur will soon be a household name, at least in MMA fans’ houses. Foreman is the oldest son of Ken Shamrock’s longtime fight recruiter, Lance Foreman.

The elder Foreman, a former professional boxer, raised his three sons in the boxing ring. “Boxing has always been part of my life ever since I was little,” says Briggs. “I never fought…but I was always around it.”

Recruited by the Lion’s Den right out of high school, the young Foreman has been training under the legendary Shamrock for three years. He’s also an employee of the distinguished facility. “I feel like I have the best job in the world,” He exclaims. “As of now, I am one of the instructors for Ken and love teaching and passing my knowledge on to others!”

Briggs Foreman’s current amateur record stands at 2-1-0. While that one loss was by arm bar in his first fight against an opponent he later found out was 5-0-0, his two wins came by knockout and split decision.

Talking about his knockout, Foreman laughs. “I think the best part was beating a hometown boy who’s always nice,” he says. “That was my first win, and surprisingly I didn’t jump up on the cage or scream.” In a show of sportsman-like class, he adds, “I think I was more worried about my opponent.”

In addition to training, fighting, and instructing for Ken Shamrock, the busy young combatant also serves as a representative for his father’s fight-inspired clothing line: Dogboxer Gear. The clothing line defines a “dogboxer” as:

A person who displays the exemplary qualities of a champion, especially those pertaining to will power and determination. A modern-day gladiator or warrior who shows his exceptional qualities whether they win or lose: After taking a serious beat-down, that guy is truly a Dog Boxer; He is dead game in the cage.

A fighter who is scrappy and fights to win and strikes with bad intentions. They fight with a purpose and the intensity of a bulldog and would rather die before letting go or quitting.

A visionary, or dreamer; one who is determined to make their dreams a reality.

When asked if he believes he meets that definition, Foreman said, “Yes very much so. Like a pit bull, I don’t go around picking fights, but bite the pit bull and you wish you hadn’t.”

As for mean-mugging and trash-talking, Foreman has a clear philosophy on that, as well: “I don’t like talk. I leave everything in the cage.”

The two young Lion’s Den fighters will be featured on July 8, 2011 at the Fight Republic – Reno’s Downtown Showdown event. Sean Shamrock faces Craig Yustat and-after 3 dropped opponents in as many weeks-Foreman is scheduled to meet Will Saminski.

« go backkeep looking »

About

This is an area on your website where you can add text. This will serve as an informative location on your website, where you can talk about your site.

Subscribe to our feed

Search

Admin

leaderboard