Askren hospitalized; Nickerson named new Army West Point Head Coach; Delaware State, Edinboro announce first women's coaches
Catching you up on the day's wrestling news from around the world with Mat Talk Online's Daily Wrestling Newsletter sponsored by @Resilite.
National Wrestling Hall of Fame Honors Weekend
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National Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2025 honored in moving induction ceremony in Stillwater, Okla. - TheMat.com
An inspiring weekend of amazing stories and impressive individuals were on display this weekend during Honors Weekend at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, which concluded with a moving evening during the 48th Honors Induction at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.
Darryl Burley '83 Inducted Into National Wrestling Hall of Fame - Lehigh University Athletics
Former Lehigh standout and Roger S. Penske/Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame member Darryl Burley '83 was formally inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame this past weekend as the Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2025 during the 48th honors weekend.
Wrestling Alum Enters National Hall of Fame - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics
The Chattanooga Mocs wrestling program was proud to see one of their own enter the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum over the weekend. Ken Mara, who wrestled for the Mocs in the late '60s and early '70s, was inducted as Meritorious Official. The ceremony was held in Stillwater, Okla., home of the Hall of Fame and Museum.
College News
Troy Nickerson Named Class of 1972 Head Men’s Wrestling Coach - Army West Point
Army West Point Director of Athletics Tom Theodorakis has announced the hiring of Troy Nickerson as the new Class of 1972 Head Men's Wrestling Coach.
University of Northern Colorado Announces National Search for Head Wrestling Coach - University of Northern Colorado Athletics
The University of Northern Colorado will launch a national search for its next Head Wrestling Coach to lead the Bears program following the departure of Troy Nickerson to Army.
Kenya Sloan Appointed as Delaware State's Inaugural Women's Wrestling Head Coach - Delaware State University
Delaware State Athletics has announced the hiring of Kenya Sloan, who will serve as the first women's wrestling head coach in Delaware State University history. The new team will begin competition in the 2025-26 academic year.
Ryan Cook Named Inaugural Head Women’s Wrestling Coach - Edinboro University Athletics
Edinboro athletics announced Ryan Cook as the first head coach of the newly formed women's wrestling program.
Alfred State Athletics Joins The SUNYAC starting in Fall 2026 - Alfred State College
The Alfred State Athletic Department is set to join the SUNYAC (The State University of New York Athletic Conference) as a full-time member in 2026-27 season.
Luther College To Compete In The Midwest Conference Starting In 2026-27 - Luther College
President Brad Chamberlain announced the Luther College Norse are changing athletic conferences, moving to the Midwest Conference for the 2026-27 academic year.
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Final X
Kyle Dake vs. Zahid Valenica, Helen Maroulis vs. Amanda Martinez to main event 2025 Final X - TheMat.com
The match order for 2025 Final X has been set ahead of Saturday night’s showcase at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Serving as main events are the men’s freestyle 86 kg matchup between Kyle Dake and Zahid Valencia and the women’s freestyle 57 kg series featuring Helen Maroulis and Amanda Martinez.
2025 Final X Preview: 68 kg WFS Kennedy Blades vs. Brooklyn Hays - InterMat ($$)
Our next preview is in women’s freestyle at 68 kg. It will feature a matchup between Kennedy Blades and Brooklyn Hays. Both are young, rising stars on the women’s freestyle circuit. Blades has the 2024 Olympic silver medal, while Hays is steadily progressing after taking fifth at the U23 World Championships.
Spencer Lee vs Luke Lilledahl - 2025 Final X Wrestling 57kg Preview - FloWrestling
A preview and prediction of the match between Spencer Lee and Luke Lilledahl at Final X on Saturday, June 14.
2025 Final X Preview: 92 kg MFS Trent Hidlay vs. Josh Barr - InterMat ($$)
Our next preview is in men’s freestyle at 92 kg. After previewing a handful of rematches, this will be one that we haven’t seen before.
Jordan Burroughs Victoria Anthony to Provide Expert Commentary for Final X - FloWrestling - Flowrestling
Olympic and World Champion Jordan Burroughs and Nine-Time National Team Member Victoria Anthony to Provide Expert Commentary and Insights for Final X.
Home Advantage: New Jersey Wrestler Joey McKenna Eyes Making U.S. Senior World Team at Final X - NYNJ Sports World
When Joey McKenna takes to the mat in his 65 kg match against Real Woods in a best-of-three series at USA Wrestling’s 2025 Final X at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Saturday, June 14th, he will have home field advantage.
More International News
Stemmet secures bronze at Sassari City Matteo Pellicone Memorial in Sassari, Italy - TheMat.com
Action wrapped up on Saturday for two athletes competing in men’s freestyle at the 2025 Sassari City Matteo Pellicone Memorial in Sassari, Italy. Nick Stemmet secured a bronze medal, marking his second international tournament podium finish.
Watch Live: U17 European Wrestling Championships, Skopje Results and Video - United World Wrestling
The U17 European Championships will begin June 9 in Skopje, North Macedonia with more than 550 wrestlers registered in Freestyle, Women's Wrestling and Greco-Roman.
More Wrestling News
Former UFC Fighter Ben Askren Diagnosed With ‘Severe’ Illness - Yahoo Sports
A former UFC fighter's wife says that he has been diagnosed with "severe pneumonia," and that he has not been responsive to treatment.
Former NCAA champion Michigan wrestler trying to earn a spot on the LA Chargers squad - Sports Illustrated
Making an NFL team is a challenging task. Making an NFL squad after not playing college football is an enormously difficult task. However, if you had to pick an athlete and a sport to overcome those immense odds, I would think wrestling and former NCAA Champion wrestler Mason Parris would be your best bet.
Recruiting & Commitment News
Recent Commitment Listings
Transfer Portal (Flo) | InterMat | 2025 Men (Flo) | 2025 Women (Flo) | 2026 Men (Flo)
Podcasts and Video
Early returns on the survey have shown Apple Podcasts as the preferred player, but in the meantime, I’ll be playing around with various embeds to see what looks better. You can reply to any newsletter and it’ll give me immediate feedback (which you can also leave below this newsletter).
General College Sports
(Drops, Realignment, NIL, House)
RELATED: Sports Enthusiasts Realignment, Adds and Drops Tracker
RELATED: Prof. Sam Ehrlich’s College Sports Litigation Tracker
Grant House Prevails in Landmark Settlement, But Olympic Sports Will Be Severely Affected - Sports Illustrated
With the majority of the revenue sharing likely headed to football and men’s basketball, some smaller programs in major athletic departments will receive none.