BERGMAN AND HUMPHREY SHINE

The Ohio Regional Training Center has landed it first World Team Member. Congratulations to Shawn Bunch who defeated Iowa Nemesis and 2008 Olympian Mike Zadick in two straight matches to make his first World Team. Under the direction of world class coach, Lou Rosselli, Bunch used superior tactics and superb conditioning to sweep the best of three series.

Bunch had to first fight through a tough mini tournament just to make it to the best of three finals. Shawn wrestled Iowa’s 133 pound All-American Daniel Dennis in the first round followed by a shutout over Iowa State two time All-American Nick Gallick. In the finals he wrestled 2008 U.S. National Runner Up and NCAA Champion Coleman Scott of Oklahoma State. Bunch looked great winning the finals in two periods and advanced to the best of three series against Zadick.

For Bunch’s interview please CLICK HERE

J.D. Bergman wrestled in only his second tournament of the year made his second U.S. National Team with an outstanding third place performance.

At the U.S. Open, April 2008, J.D. injured his knee. After his surgery and 10 months of intensive rehab J.D. battled back onto the National circuit. He was still not ready to compete for this year’s U.S. Open and qualified for the World Team Trials only one week before the event by winning a regional qualifier. In his opening match J.D. showed tremendous heart by getting a takedown with 9 seconds left to win his first match. He then took out the number one seed in the mini tournament in two straight periods which advanced him to the mini tournament finals in a battle of two Ohio greats. J.D. faced 2008 Olympic Team Member Andy Hrovat and lost in the third and final period. It was a scoreless two minute period so the match was decided by the referee grabbing either a red or blue ball out of a bag. The ball pull was in Hrovat’s advantage and he was able to secure the victory. J.D. then wrestled ex Northwestern standout Mike Tamillow for true third and dominated with the victory in two straight periods.

Reece Humphrey is just amazing. He lost an extremely controversial first round match against two time NCAA Champion Matt Valenti. The call was ridiculous. Reece scored with one second left in the third period and was awarded the points. A challenge was thrown in by Valenti’s corner thus the call was under review. The referees ended up taking the point away and Reece lost the clinch (or ball in the bag grab) and Valenti won the match. Why was the call so ridiculous? There was time on the clock when Reece scored, but during the challenge the clock was not in the view of the video camera so the referee took it upon themselves to count down the time. To make matters worse they switched the call that was confirmed during the bout based on their guesstimate countdown AND THERE WAS STILL TIME ON THE CLOCK. It was rough, but it is part of the sport.

Regardless, Reece wrestled back with fight and focus that would make any Buckeye fan proud. He ended up wrestling Valenti again in the wrestle backs and won 2-1 6-0 which put him position to take third place and make his first National Team. In the third place bout Reece dropped a tough bout to Coleman Scott and place fourth with some very impressive wins on the weekend.

GREAT WORK GUYS!

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME AND VOTE FOR BUNCH

We need the help of Buckeye fans and the wrestling community. Cary Kolat and Kolat.com are offering FIVE THOUSAND dollars to the world team member with the most votes. It is simple to vote and we will be supporting a great young man by providing our email address and 3 minutes of our time. Here are the steps:

GO TO KOLAT.COM OR CLICK HERE

GO TO LOGIN: TOP MIDDLE OF PAGE (GO TO CREATE NEW ACCOUNT AND FILL OUT USER NAME AND EMAIL THEN A PASSWORD WILL BE SENT TO YOU) USE THE PASSWORD AND THEN YOU CAN CREATE YOUR OWN PASSWORD ONCE YOU LOG IN

VOTE FOR BUNCH
THANKS!

WE ARE THE BUCKEYES CAMPAIGN

Earlier this week you were all introduced to a new campaign titled ‘We Are The Buckeyes’. You can expect a new piece approximately every two weeks highlighting aspects of the program, biographies, NCAA news or rules or other information that will provide insight into our program. The pieces are designed for your enjoyment. They can be printed or just viewed on your computer screen. We appreciate all of your support and feedback! Thanks and Go Bucks!

ROSSELLI ELEVATED TO ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH

Congrats on a very well deserved promotion to Lou Rosselli. Lou is an invaluable asset to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Great work Lou! For more information please CLICK HERE

OHIO STATE WRESTLING CAMPS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

Plan on attending the best wrestling camp in the country! If you are looking for technique we have it. If you are looking for intensity we have it. For more information about summer wrestling camps please CLICK HERE

Ultimately, it was the men’s track team dancing in little black leotards and red leggings to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” that won the 2009 trophy at the third edition of the Ohio State student-athlete talent show ‘Buckeyes Got Talent’

Women’s Basketball - Reigning Big Ten freshman of the year Prahalis and 2009 signee Hill will compete for spots on the USA Basketball U19 World Championship Team

THE BUCKEYE WRESTLING REPORT
SPRING VOLUME I

HUMPHREY TRIGGAS WIN NATIONALS

WE LOVE TOMMY ROWLANDS

PALMER RECEIVES ACADEMIC HONORS

Humphrey Double Champ and Triggas Greco Champ

Reece Humphrey brings back TWO national championships from University Nationals, which was held in Akron, Ohio. This prestigious event showcases the best wrestlers in the country who are university age group 18-24. Reece was a double champion last year as well and went on to win the University World Team Trials, which were held in Colorado Springs last summer. Reece then represented the United States at the University World Championships and brought home a silver medal.

This year Reece repeats this outstanding feat by defending both titles. Not only did Reece win the Greco Roman national title, but he was also selected the Outstanding Wrestler. The following day Reece defended his freestyle national title by defeating David Marble 0-1 6-0 6-1.

Nikko Triggas shined in his 2009 Greco Roman debut by bringing home a national title. Greco Roman is a natural style for Triggas who a gold medal at the Pan American Championships (He also won the gold in freestyle) last summer and was a two time Greco Junior National Champion and Greco Cadet national champion.

GREAT WORK BUCKEYES!

For more information on the tournament please CLICK HERE

Lou Rosselli 2009 U.S. Team Pan American Coach

Coach Rosselli, 2008 Assistant Coach of the Year, was selected to represent the U.S. at the 2009 Pan Am Championship in Maracaibo, Venezuela. The U.S. team, 62 points, placed second behind Cuba, 68 points. The U.S. did crown one champion.

For more information and results on the Pan Am Championships please CLICK HERE

Bunch Finishes 2^nd at the U.S. Open

2008 Olympic Alternate Shaun Bunch placed 2^nd at the U.S. Open. Bunch, who is currently training with the Ohio Regional Training Center, dropped a hard fought battle to long time nemesis Mike Zadick. Zadick, our 2008 Olympic representative, edged Shaun in a dramatic best 2 of 3 series to make the Olympic Team. The two are will most like meet at the World Team Trials in Sioux City, Iowa. The trials begin May 28.

Wrestling Team Honorary Captains For Spring Football Game

The Buckeye Wrestling Team ran onto the turf at Ohio Stadium this past weekend as honorary captains for the spring football game. With a crowd exceeding 95,000 the Buckeye wrestlers enjoyed throwing the ball on the sideline during warm up and sitting on the player’s bench and drinking some Gatorade during the game. We would like to send our sincere thanks to the entire football staff for allowing our student-athletes to partake in such a great event.

Buckeye Wrestling Staff Change

Tommy Rowlands will not be going far, but he has chosen a different direction for his career. Tommy, a two-time NCAA Champion and four-time All-American for the Buckeyes epitomizes the words loyalty and champion. It is truly impossible to replace such an outstanding human being and contributor to the sport of wrestling. Thank you Tommy for all you have done for Ohio State and Ohio State wrestling. We are glad you are close by because you are an invaluable asset for this organization. Tommy will still remain the director of the Ohio Regional Training center.
J Jaggers will take over the role of Volunteer Assistant Coach. Jaggers, a two time NCAA Champion and three All-American, is a priceless replacement for Tommy. Jaggers, a three time Academic All-American, has tremendous coaching and administrative skills. We are very excited about his new role. Congrats J!

Ohio State Wrestling Banquet Recap

The 2008-09 wrestling banquet was one of mixed emotions. We said goodbye to four outstanding seniors, Owen Schaefer, J Jaggers, Jason Johnstone and Wes Bergman. We also said goodbye to junior, Jason Cook, who will be pursuing a great opportunity with his career. The following are some awards that were given out:

Big Win Awards (For clutch individual dual meet performances)

Dave Rella vs. Indiana

Nikko Triggas vs. Michigan

Corey Morrison vs. Edinboro

Colt Sponseller vs. University of Northern Iowa

PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: Reece Humphrey vs. Hofstra

Battling Buckeye Awards (This is a monthly award that goes to a non starter who showcases outstanding work ethic and team commitment)

AJ Agazarm

Cody Magrum

Jared Kusar

Sean Nemec

Pat Harrington

BATTLING BUCKEYE GRAND MASTER: Jared Kusar (A point system was kept and Jared was the individual who had the most points throughout the season)

Academic Awards
NCAA Academic All-Americans

J Jaggers

Corey Morrison
Big 10 Academic All-Americans

AJ Agazarm

Owen Schaefer

Dave Rella

Pat Zamaria

Palmer Receives Academic Award

Huge congratulations to Lance Palmer. Lance received the prestigious Academic Achievement Award. This award is given to the student-athlete who displays outstanding growth and commitment in the classroom. There are over 900 student-athletes and Lance is the recipient of this great award. Lance was recognized by Athletic Faculty Representatives and administrators within the athletic department. After a tough first academic quarter Lance has rebounded with a 3.0 GPA or better nearly every quarter since. We are very proud of Lance for this well deserved award!

I’m sure many people are interested in the development of Terrell Pryor from last year.  I was talking to Bobby Olive this morning and we agreed that we did see some improvement in his grasp of the passing game and his feet seemed much better but we both were concerned with his arm motion.  As much as I know how hard it is to change someone’s throwing motion, he is losing a degree of velocity, rotation and accuracy with his current delivery.  I know there was a big wind out there and the ball was floating a bit but if you put together his potential leverage (due to his size and length), a better spin (ball rotation) and good feet and he should be able to cut through that wind even from 50 yards.  I think he is going to be better with just his experience and confidence so I am looking for him to distribute the ball with much more frequency giving defenses much more to defend.

Although having Beanie back for another year would have been great, I think the running game is going to be well represented.  I like Saine and Herron with the addition of some solid freshman, the offense could really change speeds and be deceptive with all of those guys coming at you.  You are always concerned with younger guys fumbling the ball so that would be a concern and also picking up the blitz on pass blocking but I’m sure they will be ready come fall.

The O line still concerns me a little.  I saw a lot of guys getting run around and missing assignments but in the end I think there is enough overall talent that they can put together a solid first 5 with some depth to help out. 

I’m really hoping Boran’s toughness rubs off and they get a little nastier in the trenches. 

I was impressed with the young receivers.  DeVier Posey is going to be a good one and I am hoping Ray Small gets serious and plays up to his potential.  Throw in Sanz, Washington and some good freshman including Duron Carter (CC’s son) and assuming TP can get them the ball on time, I hope to see a much more effective passing attack.

Even with the losses on Defense, I think they are still going to be loaded.  Very deep on the D line going almost 10 deep and some serious LB’s who have been waiting their turn including some very talented young guys and you’ve got a solid front seven.  The questions are going to come from the D backs.  There are some guys stepping up but I think there is a gap between the top couple guys and the rest.  Depth could be a problem but if these guys learn to play as a unit, communicate and play their assignments they could be OK.  They will be challenged early and often but if they can hold their own and let the pass rush get to the QB, this defense could be pretty good.

I didn’t pay much attention to special teams but it looks like Pettry is locking up the kicking duties and Thoma is leading for the punting job.  Watch out for Ben Buchanan at both.  He has a big leg and if he finds his comfort level, he could challenge.  The return game could be exciting this year especially if Ray Small unleashes the jets. 

The biggest thing I took from the game is there were no major injuries and that is always a coach’s favorite stat after the game. Can’t wait for fall!

I don’t know what it is but I am always glued to the NFL Draft even though I don’t really have the interest I once had and I can always read about it in the paper on Monday.  I guess I like to see the Buckeyes get drafted and where they are going to be playing in the future.  I couldn’t watch it constantly because ESPN is trying to make it such an entertainment spectacle and it even seemed like they had a vested interest in certain things.  Overall all I am very happy with the Buckeye draftees and think they landed in pretty good places.  I wish them all the best! 

Anyway in case you missed it:

Malcolm Jenkins                    1^st             New Orleans Saints

The Saints wanted a bigger physical corner and I think they got just what they are looking for.  Malcolm is going to come in with plenty of talent on a team that puts some pressure on the QB and LB’s that can handle the run.  He’ll be asked to shut down one side of the field and let the safeties roam the field and if he is not ready for that, he can play safety early to make an impact and work is way over to corner.

Beanie Wells             1^st                Arizona Cardinals

I think this is going to be a really good spot for Beanie.  They obviously have a good offense and want to run the ball.  E. James is probably going to be released this week and they will be looking for a power runner who can get them 20 carries.  If he can stay healthy through camp and pick up blocking schemes, I think he could make an impact right out of the gate.

James Laurinaitis                   2^nd                   St. Louis Rams

The Rams got a good one.  I was surprised he lasted that long but I don’t think he cares much.  This team is looking for the identity they once enjoyed but I think they got a guy they can build a D around and will be the epitome of a great young man.  His teammates will like him and he will be a leader on this team for some time to come.  As an old LA Rams fan, I think he will look good in the “horns”.

Brian Robiskie                        2^nd                   Cleveland Browns

This was an easy pick.  The Browns desperately needed a big, smart, consistent receiver who can catch the ball and read defenses.  His dad is a very good NFL coach and he has had some solid training.  I expect to see him make an impact early and settle in the number 2 receiver spot.

Donald Washington    4^th                    Kansas City Chiefs

Obviously I would have liked to see Donald stay another year because the senior year for a DB is usually critical in his development and since he went in the 4^th round, maybe he should have.  He could have been the stand out in OSU’s D backfield and collected some more stats and awards which would have likely bumped him up to the first day.  I think KC will be a good place but my guess is he will play as a nickel or dime back and on special teams for a year or two.

Brian Hartline             4^th                    Miami Dolphins 

Another guy I would have liked to see stay and rack up some stats.  I think he has a good physical build for an NFL receiver and Miami is going to be a good fit but like Washington, he could have improved his position with another year especially with TP getting better at QB.  I like his mental game but he is not going to blow by anybody and you need to be very crafty in the League if you don’t run a 4.4 or better.  I know he is following his plan and there are an awful lot of guys in the NFL that lasted after being drafted in later rounds.

Marcus Freeman                     5^th                    Chicago Bears

I’m very happy for Marcus.  He bided his time after being a highly recruited player and he put in solid work effort week in and week out.  A solid tackler with good speed. They will probably try him on the outside while he puts some more meat on his bones.  I think he will make an impact on special teams while he is learning the system and may even develop into a very good player in Chi-town.

Other Buckeye that are going to get a shot as free agents:

Todd Boeckman                     Cincinnati Bengals

Alex Boone                             San Francisco 49ers

A.J. Trapasso                         Tennessee Titans

Nader Abdallah                      Jacksonville Jaguars

Rory Nicol                              Washington Redskins

Ben Person                              Detroit Lions

Steve Rehring                         Cincinnati Bengals

Brandon Smith                       Chicago Bears

These guys are long shots but you never know when they may fill a need somewhere on a roster or spark some interest with a specialty for as team.  Regardless we wish them all the best of luck!

- Ohio State women’s basketball coach Jim Foster,  who has 685 career wins, was voted by his peers as The Columbus Dispatch Ohio Coach of the Year.

- Four former Buckeyes were taken on day one of the 2009 NFL Draft Saturday. Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins was the first Buckeye taken at No. 14 overall by the New Orleans Saints. Running back Chris “Beanie” Wells was the second Buckeye picked in the first round, No. 31 overall by the Arizona Cardinals. The final two were selected in the early stages of the second round. Linebacker James Laurinaitis was the third pick (35th overall) in the second round by the St. Louis Rams while the Cleveland Browns took wide receiver and Cleveland native Brian Robiskie with the very next pick at No. 36 overall.

     - Ohio State women’s basketball head coach Jim Foster announced the signing of Minneapolis South High School standout Tayler Hill to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Buckeyes next season.

     - Members of the women’s basketball team took part in the third annual Shootin’ Hoops Girl Scout Clinic at the Adventure Recreation Center in Columbus. For full story.. .Click Here!

Women’s Gymnastics:

     -Sophomore Rebecca Best finished session one of the 2009 NCAA Championships as a second team All-American on the floor exercise.

Softball:

     -Kim Reeder, a senior on the No. 15-ranked and Big Ten-leading Ohio State softball team, earned her third Big Ten Pitcher of the Week laurel of the season.

Synchronized Swimming:

     -Ohio State head coach Linda Lichter-Witter has been named head coach of the synchronized swimming national team, which is the top team in the United States. It will compete in world competition in July in Rome, Italy.

     - Ohio State senior relief ace Jake Hale has been named the Pitcher of the Week in the Big Ten Conference this week

Men’s Basketball:

     - Five former Buckeyes will be inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame at the fourth annual induction ceremony held at the Columbus Convention Center May 30. The 2009 induction class includes Michael Redd, Tracey Hall, Eldon Miller, Dick Schnittker and Phyllis Bailey.  -Click here for full story!

Men’s Golf:

     - The Ohio State men’s golf team has signed Matthew Turner to a National Letter of Intent. Turner, a native of England who currently lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will join the Buckeyes as a freshman for the 2009-10 season.

Men’s Gymnastics:

     - the Ohio State men’s gymnastics team had three student-athletes in senior Jake Bateman and freshmen Steven Spencer and Ty Echard leave with All-America honors at the conclusion of the 2009 NCAA Individual Event Finals

Men’s Lacrosse:

     -Joel Dalgarno,  a senior attackman on the Ohio State men’s lacrosse team, has been named the Great Western Lacrosse League Player of the Week

Men’s Tennis:

     -Senior tri-captain Bryan Koniecko has been recognized as the Big Ten Player of the Week by the Big Ten Conference for the second-consecutive time and fourth overall this season.

Wrestling:

     -Tommy Rowlands, former Buckeye and two-time NCAA champion, will be ending his official capacity on the Buckeye coaching staff. Tom Ryan, who led Ohio State to its second-consecutive second-place finish at the NCAA championships in 2009, welcomes another Buckeye two-time national title winner to his staff in J Jaggers as the volunteer assistant coach for the 2009-10 season.