Wrestling411

Gordy Morgan knows wrestling at all levels. As the club coach at the University of Minnesota he teaches college and post-college wrestlers. But Morgan also coaches youth level, working with kids at the state and national level at tournaments across the country.

Morgan,  Greco-Roman Olympian in 1996, says American folkstyle wrestling is the king of all styles…but he is aware that focusing on Greco-Roman or freestyle exclusively can be an advantage internationally. And as the first head coach at the United States Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan, Morgan knows firsthand what that program has done for the sport.

Tony Dungy, head coach of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts in 2007 and a football standout at the University of Minnesota, was at his alma mater today for several speaking engagements. One of his stops was to the
Minnesota wrestling room where he spoke to the Gopher wrestling team. Dungy’s latest book, Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance, was released on Jan. 27, 2009.

Wrestling 411 caught up with Dungy for an interview following his speech with the Minnesota wrestling team. Dungy talked about his relationship with the Minnesota wrestling team, the difference between success and significance, and what it takes to lead an uncommon life.

Minnesota head wrestling coach J Robinson, one of the leaders in promoting the sport of wrestling, has been vocal about his dislike for the new qualification system. Wrestling 411 catches up with J Robinson at the NCAA tournament and discusses his why the new qualification procedures are flawed, his recommendation to NCAA wrestling chair Brad Traviolia about some experimental rules, and what it will take for Minnesota and Oklahoma State to get back on top.

 

 J Robinson: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jayson Ness, a junior at Minnesota, is now a three-time All-American after placing third at 133 pounds. After falling to Ohio State’s Reece Humphrey 1-0 in the semifinals, Ness picked up a 14-6 major decision over Andrew Hochstrasser in his third place match.

Ness discusses the challenges of moving up a weight class, the return of 2008 Olympian Jake Deitchler to the Minnesota program and how he got his name.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

When you first hear about Minnesota’s Gordon Bierschenk, it is hard to believe that someone’s wrestling career could play out this way. How could a wrestler – one who never placed at the state tournament – walk on at the University of Minnesota as a 165 pound freshman in 2003, be a starter for the Golden Gophers at 197 pounds as a junior in 2009?

There are a few factors at play here. Because of Bierschenk’s “less than lackluster” high school wrestling career, he wasn’t recruited by any major colleges. But he did visit Minnesota’s campus with his mom and liked what he saw.

Minnesota versus Wisconsin live updates
Minnesota Head Coach: Captain J Paul Robinson
Wisconsin Head Coach: Barry Davis
Venue: UW Field House – Madison, Wisconsin
Statistics courtesy of Betsy Golomski

Minnesota defeated Wisconsin 22-15 at the National Duals on Jan. 10, 2009.

Wisconsin Head Coach Barry Davis on defeating Minnesota 19-15 after losing to Minnesota 22-15 at the National Duals.

It was a turnaround in a couple of matches. We won ‘84 and we didn’t give up bonus points at one. It came down to one match there.

We’re getting better. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting better. Rutt had a good win to get back on track a little bit.