Here is a great article regarding a stand out scholastic wrestler who chose football as his collegiate sport of choice. Every football coach in America should read it…
http://www.centredaily.com/2013/07/25/3704383/penn-state-football-carsons-wrestling.html
For this edition of wadeschalles.com I would like to share an email thread between myself and a father who was wondering at what age is a young man ready to tackle wrestling.
“In your opinion coach, how long should I wait before starting my son in wrestling?”
I responded: Continue reading
I had the privilege of listening to Mike Novogratz speak at the pre-meet social at this weekend’s NWCA All-Star Classic. He left us all energized and encouraged. Here is his speech below. . . notice if you would the differences between what those who have achieved are saying and those who are struggling to lead are doing?
By Mike Novogratz – Chairman of the Board-Beat the Streets-New York City
Looking Back
USAWrestling isn’t what it used to be. I remember very vividly when the AAU were the bad guys and a fledgling group known as the USWF headed by Steve Combs wore the white hats and began making waves. To look back on it now, comparing the old AAU to the current USAWrestling, there’s not much of a difference. Both had a Board of Directors, voting members and leadership teams but in each case, the only opinion that counted came from the very top. That’s a good thing when you have people like David Stern, Roger Goodell or a Bud Selig calling the shots. They’re all businessmen who understand when politics should not impede progress. But when you don’t have that . . . Continue reading
Lineups are starting to be announced for the NWCA All Star Classic. A BIG match-up was announced that is equal to the Dake vs. Taylor event from last year. This year, NCAA champion Logan Stieber from Ohio State will be wrestling NCAA champion Kendrick Maple from Oklahoma. At last year NCAA championships, Logan won at 133 and Maple at 141. Logan is going up a weight to wrestle Kendrick. This year they’ll be at 141 and 149 at the NCAA’s.
The All-Star Classic will take place on November 2nd at 7:15pm on the campus of George Mason University. To purchase tickets to the event, visit the Ticketmaster website. For more information on the All-Star Classic, visit the NWCA website.
It’s Time to Expand National Scholastic Rankings
Continue reading
Honoring Clinicians
Clinicians are the only group remaining that isn’t represented at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame or recognized by any of the national media outlets. Wrestling on the other hand does pay tribute to their coaches, athletes, contributors and officials as they should but not clinicians and I can’t figure out why?
I don’t think anyone will debate the importance and skill sets of clinicians. Their contributions to man’s oldest sport are extraordinary and for most wrestlers, clinics are the only way athletes have of meeting their heroes and the legends of our sport. Shouldn’t there be a way for us to honor these men and women for their service and as a result provide incentives for their efforts?
Continue reading
Here is a well-written piece in the Huffington Post on the Olympic debacle by actor Billy Baldwin. He wrestled at Berner High in Massapequa, NY and then collegiately at Binghamton University.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-baldwin-/reflections-from-buenos-a_b_3902517.html
Good stuff, outstanding writing.
Congratulations to all that did so much for wrestling.
It might be interesting to note that those who weren’t mentioned above will suggest it was their leadership that won the day. I believe as time passes and the facts are known, you’ll come to the same conclusion as I have.
Continue reading
This Sunday, the IOC will reinstate wrestling for the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. As soon as the announcement is made there will be many sighs of relief and cheers of joy, all heard around the globe but the question is what then? Where does wrestling go from there and how do we make sure something like this never happens again?
Three questions need to answered:
At least in my opinion we are, but not as a provisional sport. Instead I believe the IOC will reject their Executive Committee’s decision to eliminate wrestling and keep it as a core sport. Translation: we’re back!
Why would they take that position?
Continue reading
This is an article from yesterday’s New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/sports/wrestling-adapts-in-hopes-of-staying-in-olympics.html?_r=1&
Kudos to President Lalovic and FILA. This past week they evened the weight classes from 7-7-4 to 6-6-6 as part of their efforts to become IOC compliant and reiterated their support for women in leadership positions. That was a strong move on their part. If only FILA’s previous President would have been so attentive we wouldn’t be where we are right now.
What FILA needs to tackle immediately is Continue reading
The following article is an interview with wrestling’s new world leader, Nenad Lalovic. In it, President Lalovic states the obvious; that wrestling’s departure from the Olympics was the fault of FILA and its Board members, not the IOC.
Continue reading
To begin . . . the following paragraph is the IOC’s Mission Statement regarding gender equity relative to events and administrative structures.
“The IOC is committed to gender equity in sport. The Olympics Charter states that one of the roles of the IOC is “to encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures, with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women.” Its commitment extends well beyond its efforts to increase women’s participation in the Olympic Games. The IOC also recognizes that gender equality is a critical component of effective sports administration and continues to support the promotion of women and girls in sport at all levels and structures.
So the question becomes, how will the role of women in wrestling play into the IOC decision this September? Here are my thoughts:
Continue reading
In the last few weeks I have received many emails regarding FILA and USAWrestling. Here are some excerpts for you. I’ll let their words take the issue front and center.
Continue reading
Last year, for the first time ever, the annual NCAA All Star Classic was an absolute sell out; complete with the names of several thousand anxious wrestling fans on a waiting list. Needless to say the sponsor, the Greater Washington Wrestling Business Network (GWWBN) was more than ecstatic.
Continue reading
It’s wonderful that wrestling received eight of the 15 votes to become one of three sports who will make presentations in September. But in no way does this mean we have room for optimism. To the contrary, all that took place in St. Petersburg was we overcame the challenges of five considerably weaker opponents while failing to persuade seven other Executive Committee members that we’re a sport worth saving.
So Let’s Look at the Competition
Continue reading
Statement from USA Wrestling President, Jim Ravannack
“USA Wrestling is pleased with the decision of the International Olympic Committee Executive Board to select wrestling as one of the three sports on the short list for consideration for a position in the 2020 Olympic Games program.
Continue reading
I had people over to the house to watch the Rumble on the Rails, the dual meet between the United States and Iran. Each of them are far from being wrestling aficionados, actually two of the three had never watched a match before.
Continue reading
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — As the man leading wrestling’s charge to preserve its Olympic status, Nenad Lalovic believes he’s done what it takes. Continue reading
In a brief media release this week, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) shed a little more light on the announcement in St Petersburg next week of the final shortlist of sports bidding to make the 2020 Olympic Games.
Continue reading
I have to say watching this Olympic level challenge play out has been fascinating. It’s been a blend of emotional roller coaster meets tilt-a-whirl. I read one email and it suggests everything is a done deal and we’re back. The next has my head spinning, where a complete overhaul of FILA and USAWrestling is being suggested because the battle is lost.
Continue reading
I Vote For Squash!?
Wow, I mean wow . . . here’s a video EVERYONE should watch. It’s Squash’s prelude to being accepted into the Olympic Games and one of wrestling’s main competitors.
Continue reading
Here is a letter that Chuck Harman just had delivered to each member of the IOC Board and allowed me to see in advance of it being sent. Chuck is right on the money, it’s a must read!
Continue reading
A Comedy of Errors
As soon as the news broke of our departure from the Olympics, FILA responded with an 11 to 10 vote of no confidence regarding Martinetti’s ability to govern. The vote was actually baffling.
Continue reading
May 10, 2013
Following his resignation given on February 16th, 2013, the former President of FILA, Mr Raphael Martinetti, has sued FILA in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Continue reading
How We Got Here?
It’s often said, “It’s wiser to whisper advice from cover than risk doing it while walking point.” Although I understand the benefits of whispering, there is simply too much riding on the sport’s current issues to remain silent.
Continue reading
I wish my crystal ball was a little clearer regarding next month when the IOC revisits their recommendation to drop wrestling. But I want to remind everyone that they shouldn’t be misled by IOC’s use of the word “recommendation.” Corporations often use the term when they really mean, “we’ve made a decision.” It’s a way to muzzle those whose ox was just gored, or is about to be gored. In no way does this term mean the sport doesn’t have a chance of recovery if we play our cards right. It’s simply means the IOC is using it as a measure to delay any retaliatory attack our sport may wish to launch.
Continue reading
