Since I haven’t been putting a newsletter out on a regular basis, I think I’ll try a new approach. I love this sport and I have so much to talk about that I need to share my thoughts more often. I’m not sure if there will be any pattern or just what’s on my mind while I’m thinking about the past, the future and the current. What’s next? Tune in…USF – Another New Collegiate Wrestling Program
Upon returning form the World’s I received notice that the University of Sioux Falls was going to announce adding wrestling. USF is an NAIA program that once had wrestling back in the early 70s. The AD, William Sanchez, invited me to be a part of the press conference announcing the new program and new coach – Tim Homan. Tim has been a very successful local wrestling coach in the past. Tim will recruit this year and start competing in 2006-'07. The President of USF, Dr. Mark Benedetto, wrestled in high school for the late Chuck Farina at East Lyden High School in Illinois. Mr. Sanchez attended Oklahoma U back in the day of some real greats like Wells, Grant, McGuire, etc., and actually had duties within the wrestling program at the time.
It was a great event, and after the press conference we went to dinner. A couple of my teammates from ISU attended since they live locally. Bill Krum (3x Montana state champ) and Gary “Smokey” Wallman (multi-time S.D. state champ) were the two. They are both doing well, with Bill being a Senior V.P. for Iseman Homes and Gary working his own business and coaching wrestling at a local high school.
Mick Pickford, former Ft. Madison legendary wrestling coach, was in attendance at the press conference. He visits Sioux Falls often for family and health reasons at a local hospital. It was good seeing him. It’s amazing all the wrestling connections in all corners of the world. We need to continue to use all these influences for the future.
On the 6-hour drive to Sioux Falls, I called a few former South Dakotans to get current on S.D. wrestling. I talked with Chad Lamer and he gave me a few facts. Chad is moving to Helena, Montana with his family where he will be doing Chiropractic work after graduating from Palmer College in Davenport. Sorry to see Chad, Ann and all the boys packing up and leaving Iowa, but now we have some contacts in Helena. The real facts (at least I think so) came from contacting Randy Lewis, who gave me TOO much information! Wow! South Dakota is LOADED with wrestling information and you know I agree with him!
Randy talked about the Scherr’s, Lincoln McIlravy, the Wallmans, Manning, Lamer, the Koslowskis, and on and on. What was interesting was his final comment. Randy pointed out that out of all of Iowa’s recruiting only TWO came directly out of high school and made it to the NCAA finals in their true freshman years. Both of these wrestlers were from South Dakota. Randy didn’t talk about the results of the two finalists, he just left it at that…smart guy! With that said, Randy pointed out that Iowa should recruit more out of S.D.
Anyway, it was a great trip.
It was a great event, and after the press conference we went to dinner. A couple of my teammates from ISU attended since they live locally. Bill Krum (3x Montana state champ) and Gary “Smokey” Wallman (multi-time S.D. state champ) were the two. They are both doing well, with Bill being a Senior V.P. for Iseman Homes and Gary working his own business and coaching wrestling at a local high school.
Mick Pickford, former Ft. Madison legendary wrestling coach, was in attendance at the press conference. He visits Sioux Falls often for family and health reasons at a local hospital. It was good seeing him. It’s amazing all the wrestling connections in all corners of the world. We need to continue to use all these influences for the future.
On the 6-hour drive to Sioux Falls, I called a few former South Dakotans to get current on S.D. wrestling. I talked with Chad Lamer and he gave me a few facts. Chad is moving to Helena, Montana with his family where he will be doing Chiropractic work after graduating from Palmer College in Davenport. Sorry to see Chad, Ann and all the boys packing up and leaving Iowa, but now we have some contacts in Helena. The real facts (at least I think so) came from contacting Randy Lewis, who gave me TOO much information! Wow! South Dakota is LOADED with wrestling information and you know I agree with him!
Randy talked about the Scherr’s, Lincoln McIlravy, the Wallmans, Manning, Lamer, the Koslowskis, and on and on. What was interesting was his final comment. Randy pointed out that out of all of Iowa’s recruiting only TWO came directly out of high school and made it to the NCAA finals in their true freshman years. Both of these wrestlers were from South Dakota. Randy didn’t talk about the results of the two finalists, he just left it at that…smart guy! With that said, Randy pointed out that Iowa should recruit more out of S.D.
Anyway, it was a great trip.
posted by DanGable.com at 10:05 AM
2 Comments:
Well congratulations Tim Homan! I didn't know he was still coaching. I had him as a coach at Brandon Valley long ago, he actually seperated my shoulder with a very tight half-nelson.I forgave him. And I do agree with you Iowa should recruit more out of South Dakota because take it from me they're tough.....Lee
By the Way, Manning kicked my butt also.......Lee
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