Official Tune of River Falls Wrestling News
Big Head Todd & the Monsters featuring John Lee Hooker "Boom Boom"

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Pictured: River Falls - Benji McRoberts

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Youth Clinic a Success

Victory School of Wrestling River Falls, Wisconsin

Friday, July 29, 2011

River Falls Wildcat Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Kilkarney Hills Golf Course, River Falls, Wisconsin

Friday, July 8, 2011

High School Coach Joe Cudd at River Falls Days

River Falls, Wisconsin

Friday, June 16, 2011

Six Wrestlers / Coaches Inductees in River Falls Wildcats Hall of Fame

River Falls, Wisconsin

Saturday and Sunday, April 30 & May 1, 2011

Wisconsin Wrestling Federation

Freestyle & Greco-Roman State Tournament

Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

April 3, 2011

2010-2011 Wrestling Banquet & Awards Ceremony

Kilkarney Hills Golf Club, River Falls, Wisconsin

Friday and Saturday, April 1 & 2, 2011
ASICS / USA Wrestling Folkstyle National Tournament

Unidome at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wisconsin Wrestling Federation Youth State Tournament

Alliant Center, Madison, Wisconsin

Saturday, March 19, 2011
USA Wrestling Tour of America Folkstyle Tour of America

Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Saturday, March 19, 2011
Trevor Brandvold 4th Place at 2011 NCAA Division 1 Championship
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

Saturday, March 12, 2011
Wisconsin Wrestling Federation Youth Regional Tournament

River Falls High School, River Falls, Wisconsin

Saturday, March 12, 2011
Sam Johnson All American Earns 6th Place at NCAA Tournament

LaCrosse, Wisconsin

2011 Big Rivers

All Conference Teams for Big Rivers Conference Announced

Friday, February 25, 2011
Sam Johnson Runner Up at IIAC Tournament

Storm Lake, Iowa

Sunday, March 6, 2011
Brandvold Wins Big 10 Championship

Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 

Monday, February 28, 2011
Youth Practices Wrap Up

River Falls Armory, River Falls, Wisconsin

Thursday, February 24 - Saturday, February 26, 2011

WIAA State Individual Tournament

Kohl Center, Madison, Wisconsin

Logan Cudd

Adam Figi

Tyson Bystrom

 Trackwrestling direct link

 Tournament Details WIAA

Saturday, February 19, 2011
Division 1 Section A Tournament

Marshfield High School, Marshfield, Wisconsin

State Bound Qualifiers - Logan Cudd (125 lb.), Adam Figi (160 lb.) and Tyson Bystrom (189 lb.)

Saturday, February 19, 2011
Get on the bus to Sectionals - Spectator Bus is going to Marshfield!

Marshfield High School

Saturday, February 12, 2011
Division 1 Region 1 Tournament

New Richmond High School

Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Youth Tournament

River Falls High School

Saturday, February 5, 2011
Big Rivers / Dunn-St. Croix Conference Tournament

River Falls High School

BR/DSC Champions Adam Figi (160 lb.), Tyson Bystrom (189 lb.), Nick Johnson (285 lb.) and Logan Cudd (125 lb.)

JV Conference: Josh Croes (215 lb.), Josh Hudson (160 lb.), Jack Bruns (215 lb.) and Champion Elliot Weishaar (189 lb).

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information

Thursday, January 27, 2011
River Falls at Rice Lake Dual Meet

Rice Lake High School, Rice Lake, Wisconsin

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information

Saturday, January 22, 2011
Eastview Lightning High School Invitational Tournament

Apple Valley, Minnesota

Figi, Johnson and Cudd - Eastview Champions

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information

Monday, January 17, 2011
Youth Practices Begin

Saturday, January 15, 2011
Stillwater Duals Tournament

Stillwater, Minnesota

Logan Cudd with a Great Takedown

Elliot Weishaar with another great pin.

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information

Thursday, January 13, 2011
Alumni Night / Senior Night
River Falls High School

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information about the Match

Thursday, January 13, 2011
Alumni Night

River Falls High School

Tuesday and Wednesday, December 28 & 29, 2010
Northern Badger Wrestling Classic
River Falls High School, River Falls, Wisconsin

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information

Friday, December 17, 2011
Tartan Tri-Dual Meet

Tartan High School, Oakdale, Minnesota

River Falls traveled to Oakdale, MN to take on the Northfield and Tartan High School Teams.  In JV action, Sophomore Ryan Tierney had two nice wins - one pin and one decision.  Elliot Weishaar and Dakota Anderson continued to punish their opponents winning each of their respective matches.  Matt Linehan continued his undefeated run with a shaky start but a solid finish in his last match going 2-0 on the night.  Seniors Adam Figi and Logan Cudd looked very comfortable while completely overwhelming their foes.  After a close loss on Thursday, Junior Tyson Bystrom (photo) seemed to "flip the switch", while completely devastating each of his next two opponents, including an 18-second pin on 6'5" Joe Leahy from Northfield and 42 second pin in his second match versus Tartan.  Junior Riley Larson (160 lb.) had the best match of the night.  After his season debut at 160 lb. against Northfield, the second match was the one to remember.  Against Tartan, the lead changed repeatedly throughout the match.  After being behind by two points with a few seconds left, he earned an escape and with only a second left - then Riley executed a perfect "buzzer beater" double leg takedown as the clock hit zero - winning the match 9-8.

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information

Saturday, December 11, 2010
Dells Duals Classic Tournament
Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells

The high school wrestling team had two tournaments at the same time on Saturday.  On varsity, Adam Figi (171 lb.) and Matt Linehan (215 lb.) led the team with perfect days each going 4-0 against some very tough last-minute competition.  The second tournament was a JV individual tournament - where Ryan Tierney (140 lb.) and Dakota Anderson (135 lb.) each took first place.  In all, the JV group had 6 finalists; Winston Bystrom (152 lb.), Elliot Weishaar (189 lb.), Josh Croes (215 lb.), and Jack Bruns (215 lb.) each took second place.  Fortunately, the team came in the night before the blizzard that essentially shut down the town of Wisconsin Dells.  The blizzard itself led to some teams cancelling last minute while others were added at the same time.

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information

Honoring our Military Families

River Falls is fortunate to be the home of the Army National Guard Company D, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry.  The booster club cordially invites any military service member and their family to this season’s home high school wrestling matches against Hudson and Chippewa Falls on Thursday, December 16, 2010 and Thursday, January 13, 2010.  Junior Varsity action starts about 6:15 (depending on the number of matches); Varsity starts at 7:00 PM sharp each night at the River Falls High School Gym.

When:  2010.12.16 – 18:15 and 2011.01.13 – 18:15 Where:  River Falls High School Cost:  None.  Just check in at cashier and identify yourself. Why:  We would like a chance to say “thank you” for what you do.

The booster club, the River Falls High School and the coaching staff would like to take a moment to thank you and acknowledge your family, your commitment and your efforts to do what you likely call routine.  You deserve the highest acknowledgement and recognition of not only the wrestling club and the wrestling fans - but also the entire community.  It is our honor to provide you and your family a great evening of entertainment; watching a group of high school kids pours their heart and soul into an athletic event.  We would like you to be our guests and have a great evening with us.  We highly encourage you to wear your uniforms or some identifying clothing so everyone can see how many of you attend.  Please also bring your family and children to this event.  There is no admission cost for you and / or your family.  Stop at the admissions window and indicate you are military and we will take care of the rest.

Saturday, December 04, 2010
Ellsworth Invitational Tournament

Ellsworth, Wisconsin

With only 11 participants, the River Falls High School Wrestling team took 3rd place at the annual Ellsworth Invitational tournament behind Ellsworth (1st) and Boyceville.  The young team had four wrestlers in the finals and ended up with two individual champions and two runners up.  Logan Cudd repeated as champion at 130 lb. defeating Michael Sonnetag from Cadott in the finals by a score of 6-2.  Matt Linehan dominated his division on the way to his first championship at 215 lb. defeating Cadott’s Mitchel Williams in the finals 4-2.  Adam Figi continued his authority at a higher weight than normal (171 lb.); however, his run for the championship was stopped short with a close 1-0 loss to Ellsworth’s Noah McLay (last year’s sixth place winner at D2 State).  At 285 lb., Nick Johnson looked great; however, in a quick turn of events, he was defeated by his longtime nemesis - Cody Hegeman from Boyceville.

 High School Results Page for all Details and Information

Thursday, November 18, 2010
Parent Information Night

River Falls High School

High School head coaches Brady Cudd and Joe Cudd, along with the River Falls wrestling board - hosted a parent informational meeting for all middle school and high school parents (as well as managers and wrestlers).  About 70 people came to the high school media center to understand more about the program.  The discussion focused primarily on the coach's vision as well as the importance of communication and support with the family of the wrestlers.  In all, expectations were clarified and everyone had a chance to view a short video of all returning team members as well as an introduction of many new faces on the high school roster.  Photo courtesy Steve Johnson.

 2010-11 High School Roster Page

October 30, 2010

Youth Clinic a Great Success

Victory School of Wrestling Facility, River Falls, Wisconsin

The youth wrestling clinic was a great success.  We estimated 100 individuals came to the event, hosted by Victory School of Wrestling.  This gave both "experienced" as well as new kids and parents - a chance to learn more about the sport, our philosophy, mission and overall direction.

Kevin Black conducted the clinic as River Falls Wrestling board members Dave Black, Carlos Figi, Joe Cudd, David Hennessey, Ron Kinneman and Justin Bystrom talked with parents about the program.  Many signed up following the event and all enjoyed the Dominos Pizza, root beer and floats served by the club (including the always-smiling high school co-head coach Joe Cudd).  For those that would still like to register, there is a lot of time and other means to do so beteween now and January 20.

See the youth page for additional information and all youth-related information.

 River Falls Youth Wrestling Page

October 2010
New Youth Wrestling Mats | Youth Moving to River Falls Armory

The booster club has purchased a new wrestling mat for youth wrestling.  "We needed to make the investment and we consider youth safety a top priority" according to Carlos Figi, Booster President.  In addition to the new mats, the club has relocated from the Meyer Middle School multi-purpose room to the River Falls Armory.  The armory is a great location with more room, great parking, and permanent storage for the new wrestling mat.  Youth action begins on Monday, January 17.  The days are Mondays and Thursdays; in order to eliminate interference with ski / snowboard club.  There is no school on Monday, January 17 so this is a perfect day to allow parents plenty of time to get ready and to prepare their wrestlers for the first day of practice.  In addition, we are working directly with officials from USA Wrestling for course direction and guidance.

 River Falls Youth Wrestling Page

Mat Talk Newsletter

Download the first installment of the mat talk newsletter.  Much of the information can be found within the pages of our website; however, there are a lot of tidbits that are not.  Print out the newsletter and give to a parent, grandparent or perhaps someone that doesn't use the internet.

 Mat Talk Newsletter Volume 1 for the 2010-11 Season

January 30, 2011
Wisconsin Badgers Wrestling
Williams Arena, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Coach Barry Davis and the Wisconsin Badgers travel to Williams Arena on Sunday, January 30 at 2:00 PM at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  This is an "open weekend" for River Falls high school wrestlers (and families).  River Falls’ native and alumni Trevor Brandvold will highlight the event for River Falls fans at 197 lbs.  In addition, Northwestern University will host the Big 10 championships on March 5 and 6, 2011.

 Ticket Information, Location and Directions
 River Falls Wrestling Calendar

July 18-24, 2010
National Tournament
Fargo Dome, Fargo, North Dakota

Six members of the River Falls High School Wrestling team earned a spot this month to compete at the country’s largest wrestling tournament.  “summer” wrestling’s biggest and most acclaimed event is the USA Wrestling - National Greco-Roman and Freestyle Tournament in Fargo, North Dakota.

River Falls High School Wrestling Team Mates and Wisconsin National Team Members   L to R: Tyson Bystrom 189 lb, Briar Tepp 112 lb, Adam Figi 160 lb, Nathan Kinneman 112 lb, Logan Cudd 130 lb and Matt Linehan 215 lb.  Missing from Photo: Cam Loomis 152 lb.

Logan Cudd (130 lb.) and Cam Loomis (152 lb.) both earned a spot on the Wisconsin team as part of the 37-man contingent in the Junior Greco-Roman competition.

In cadet freestyle competition, Nathan Kinneman (112 lb.) and Briar Tepp (112 lb.) were part of Wisconsin’s 53-man roster for the cadet freestyle tournament.  In the junior freestyle tournament, Tyson Bystrom (189 lb.) and Matt Linehan (215 lb.) were part of the 44-man roster for team Wisconsin.

All participants in each style - qualify and compete to earn a position while at the training camp in the five preceding days leading up to the tournament itself.  The Wisconsin training camps (held in River Falls), also serve as a staging area for the final push for the participants throughout the state – to make the final part of their journey to Fargo, North Dakota.  Without any question, anyone participating in this tournament in each of the two styles will see the best competition of their career.  There is often huge excitement and anticipation as state champions from one state take on very similar adversaries with similar pedigrees and credentials from other states. 

Forty-six states (including Alaska and Hawaii) - each selects its own best to beat the best from the other states.  For context, there were 859 junior wrestlers in the Greco-Roman competition, 948 wrestlers in the cadet freestyle tournament, and 1,060 wrestlers in the junior freestyle tournament.

Loomis graduated this spring and will attend the University Wisconsin at Whitewater this fall; whereas, all the others will return this fall for another great and exciting season with the Wildcats.  Cudd and Linehan will be seniors; Bystrom and Tepp will be juniors and Kinneman will be a sophomore this season.

 Summer Wrestling Page 
Summer Wrestling Photos

2010 Big Rivers | Dunn St. Croix

All Conference Teams for Big Rivers Conference Announced

Cam Loomis and Logan Cudd named to 1st team.  Peter Wolff, Josh Kinneman, Matt Linehan, Adam Figi and Tyson Bystrom named to 2nd team.  Austin Johnson and Nick Johnson honorable mention.  The entire team listings are below.  Name, grade then school.

- First Team -

Quinn Miracle 9 Chippewa Falls; Izzy Balsiger 10 Chippewa Falls; Stuart Schindler 12 Chippewa Falls; Jonah Goss 11 EC Memorial; Robert Stasney 12 EC Memorial; Jordan Baumgartner 12 Hudson; Gordon Johnson 11 Hudson; Tanner Owens 10 Hudson; Koyla Hawksford 10 Hudson; Kyle Crain 12 Hudson; Nick Larson 11 Hudson; Jimmy Benrud 11 Menomonie; Cam Loomis 12 River Falls; Logan Cudd 11 River Falls

- Second Team -

Matt Ingebretson 12 Chippewa Falls; Luke Bowe 12 Chippewa Falls; Grant Schindler 10 Chippewa Falls; Jess Goss 11 EC Memorial; Marcus Liddel 12 EC North; Phil Bates 12 Hudson; Ryan Smith 11 Hudson; Art Vinzant 12 Hudson; Jake Walters 12 Rice Lake; Peter Wolff 12 River Falls; Josh Kinneman 12 River Falls; Matt Linehan 11 River Falls; Adam Figi 11 River Falls; Tyson Bystrom 10 River Falls

- Honorable Mention -

Andy Snider 9 Chippewa Falls; Dominik Goyette 10 Chippewa Falls; Joel Anderson 12 EC Memorial; Alastair Keys 10 EC Memorial; Girodan Leek 12 EC North; Austin Koski 9 Hudson; Derek Schindler 9 Hudson; Nathan Eby 12 Hudson; Clayton Truhler 12 Hudson; Eric Peissig 9 Menomonie; Richard Bryant 11 Menomonie; Cody Buehler 12 Rice Lake; Austin Johnson 12 River Falls; Nick Johnson 11 River Falls

No. 5 seed Brandvold finished in sixth place at 197 lbs., at the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships with a 7-0 loss to No. 6 Eric Lapotsky of Oklahoma. Lapotsky earned a takedown with 2:04 remaining in the first period, then added two nearfall points at the very end to lead 4-0.  The second period started in neutral but Lapotsky extended his lead to 6-0 with a takedown with 40 seconds left. Brandvold then started down in third period but was unable to score. Riding time made it a 7-0 final for Lapotsky. 

Trevor Brandvold is the third D1 All-American wrestler that graduated from River Falls along with former Badgers Tony and Kevin Black.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Youth Wrestlers Compete in WWF Regional Tournament

River Falls High School, River Falls, Wisconsin

Congratulations to Middle School teammates Matthew Williamson and Zack Radkey-Pechacek take 1st place and Spencer Langer takes 2nd to advance to the state tournament in two weeks.  Jack Pestorious, Mitchell Williamson and Winston Bystrom just fell short of their goals each going 2-2 during the 517-participant tournament held in River Falls.  First and second place winners will compete next week at the state tournament in Madison.

Boys Born 2001-2002 66 - Jack Pestorious's place is unknown and has scored 4.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Warick Weyer (Baldwin-Woodville) won by major decision over Jack Pestorious (River Falls) (Maj 12-0)
Cons. Round 1 - Jack Pestorious (River Falls) won by pin over Drew Niles (Clear Lake) (Pin 0:45)
Cons. Round 2 - Jack Pestorious (River Falls) won by decision over Jalen Nasman (Amery ) (Dec 8-2)
Cons. Round 3 - Kolton Sarver (Chippewa Falls) won by decision over Jack Pestorious (River Falls) (Dec 4-2)

 

Boys Born 1999-2000 110 - Mitchell Williamson's place is unknown and has scored 6.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Mitchell Williamson (River Falls) received a bye (Bye)
Quarterfinal - Mitchell Williamson (River Falls) won by decision over Conner Engebretson (Clear Lake) (Dec 6-0)
Semifinal - Ty Sanford (Prescott ) won by decision over Mitchell Williamson (River Falls) (Dec 2-0)
Cons. Semi - Nick Hofacker (SVE) won by decision over Mitchell Williamson (River Falls) (Dec 8-1)

 

Boys Born 1997-1998 185 - Matthew Williamson's place is 1st and has scored 4.00 team points.
1st Place Match - Matthew Williamson (River Falls) received a bye (Bye)

Boys Born 1995-1996 110 - Zachary Radkey-Pechacek's place is 1st and has scored 16.00 team points.
Quarterfinal - Zachary Radkey-Pechacek (River Falls) received a bye (Bye)
Semifinal - Zachary Radkey-Pechacek (River Falls) won by decision over Kevin Fesenmaier (SVE) (Dec 6-1)
1st Place Match - Zachary Radkey-Pechacek (River Falls) won by decision over Tyler Berg (SVE) (Dec 2-0)

 

Boys Born 1995-1996 125 - Spencer Langer's place is 2nd and has scored 12.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Spencer Langer (Victory School of Wrestling) won by decision over Brendan Westphal (Hudson) (Dec 1-0)
Quarterfinal - Spencer Langer (Victory School of Wrestling) won by decision over Ryan Starkmann (All American Elite) (Dec 2-1)
Semifinal - Spencer Langer (Victory School of Wrestling) won by decision over Maxwell Praschak (Somerset) (Dec 5-0)
1st Place Match - Bailey White (Somerset) won by decision over Spencer Langer (Victory School of Wrestling) (Dec 3-1)
2nd Place Match - Spencer Langer (Victory School of Wrestling) won by rule over Ryan Starkmann (All American Elite) (RULE)

 

Boys Born 1995-1996 140 - Winston Bystrom's place is 4th and has scored 3.00 team points.
Quarterfinal - Collin Nelson (Unity) won by decision over Winston Bystrom (Victory School of Wrestling) (Dec 5-2)
Cons. Round 1 - Winston Bystrom (Victory School of Wrestling) won by decision over Ty Priller (Hudson) (Dec 3-1)
Cons. Semi - Winston Bystrom (Victory School of Wrestling) won by decision over Hunter Harris (Rice Lake) (Dec 5-2)
3rd Place Match - Tyler Miller (Prescott) won by major decision over Winston Bystrom (Victory School of Wrestling) (Maj 10-0)

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Brandvold Wins Big 10 Championship for Wisconsin Badgers

Ann Arbor, Michigan – River Falls wrestling alumni, junior Trevor Brandvold faced Sonny Yohn of Minnesota in the 197 lbs. championship.  Brandvold scored the first points of the match with a reversal in the second period.  After securing riding time, Brandvold allowed Yohn to escape.  With a 3-1 decision, Brandvold joined teammate Andrew Howe (165 lbs) as Big Ten Champion and NCAA qualifier.

All told, two Badgers finished third, another placed fourth and two finished fifth.  The Badgers automatically qualified six wrestlers and will potentially have seven wrestlers at the NCAA tournament if redshirt freshman Cole Schmitt receives an at-large bid.

Thursday through Saturday, February 25, 26 & 27, 2010

WIAA State High School Individual Tournament - Kohl Center, Madison

For fans and wrestlers alike, the state high school individual tournament, is the best-of-the best whether you are a participant or a fan.  For division 1, holding the coveted championship 16-man bracket atop the 6-man podium - is a lofty goal for almost every kid from every town in every wrestling program throughout the state.

Junior Logan Cudd avenged a semi-final loss to the eventual champion Justin Enderby (Pulaski 49-0) by winning against Josiah Bobier (Kaukauna - 43-7) in the consolation round by 4 to 1, and then Jared Kust (Shawano Community 44-6) in the third place match by a score of 8-5.

Senior Cam Loomis started by winning over Jorey Organ (Tomah 38-9) by a score of 11-5; however, a loss to the eventual champion junior Alex Dieringer (Port Washington 45-1) and a loss to Kevan Gennrich (Hortonville 40-7), ended the great run for the team captain.

Sophomore Tyson Bystrom lost to eventual third place senior Kyle Wey (Oak Creek 37-5) in the opening round.  Then he lost a very close match in the last seconds to Mark VandenAvond (Green Bay Preble / East 41-9) by a score of 9-7.

In addition, many of the 59,517 in attendance noticed that our own youth director - David Black was one of the 15 individual referees selected to be part of the elite state officiating personnel for the tournament.

Saturday, February 20, 2010
WIAA Division 1 Sectional A Tournament 

Merrill High School, Merill, Wisconsin

High School co-Coaches Brady and Joe Cudd and the high school team advance three to the 2010 WIAA state tournament next week.  Junior Logan Cudd and Senior Cam Loomis Sectional Champions; Sophomore Tyson Bystrom runner-up.  All three qualify and as Division 1 entrants and move on to the 2010 Folkstyle WIAA individual state wrestling tournament in Madison.

Senior Cameron Loomis (39-2) earned his 140 lb. championship and his first trip to the state competition in Madison by winning with commanding decisions over Jacob Rusch (Wausau West) 7-2, Logan Keding (DC Everest) 9-6, and beating Jake Tatro (Antigo) 4-2 in the finals.  Cam Loomis is highly ranked in division 1 and will make his first state trip to Madison.

Sophomore Tyson Bystrom (28-12) advanced at 189 lb. with a first round 7-6 win over Robert Wille (Marshfield).  In the semi-finals, he dropped to the eventual champion Noah Lassa (Merrill); however, with a 4-2 win over Richard Bryant (Menomonie) in the third place match, he was afforded the opportunity for a wrestle back against Luke Bowe (Chippewa Falls).  Luke Bowe had previously beaten Bystrom soundly in two previous matches earlier in the year - including a dual meet  in December (17-7) and the championship match at Regionals last week (9-4).  Bystrom went on to beat Bowe 12-6 as a true underdog and earned a runner up position and his first trip to Madison. 

Senior Peter Wolff (29-12) had a similar road with a 14-1 victory over JD Popenhagen (Lakeland), a semi-final loss to the eventual champion Izzy Balsiger (Chippewa Falls) and a 3rd place 7-2 win over Nate Hettinga (Wausau West); however, he fell just short in the 2nd place wrestle back, with a loss to Gordon Johnson (Hudson).  Peter earned the 3rd place position in the tournament.

Brandvold wins his first Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honor after defeating a pair of ranked opponents over the weekend for the No. 13 Badgers. Against No. 24 Purdue on Friday, eighth-ranked Brandvold defeated 11th-ranked Logan Brown, 8-3, as part of a 27-11 Wisconsin victory. Two days later, the 197-pounder squared off against No. 14 Patrick Bond of Illinois in a match that went to tiebreakers. An escape by Brandvold was the deciding point as the junior earned a 2-1 victory to notch his seventh consecutive win in.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Youth Director and Development & Outreach Director Named

Carlos Figi, River Falls wrestling booster club president, announced that Dave Black is the new youth director and Kevin Black is the director of the new position – development and outreach.

Dave Black - Youth Director	Kevin Black - Development & Outreach

Dave Black – Youth Director

Dave fulfills this role of communications and youth-parent hand holder.  Although we had to get him to step out of his shell, his primary purpose is to help educate, promote, inform and keep youth parents and kids – aware of what is happening, keep proper expectations and grow the program.  Although he is not a coach per se, he will definitely work with the exciting youth coach, Tom “Butch” Cummings and has the full support of the new high school coaches.  Dave expects to have various clinicians come into practices throughout the season and will highly encourage the kids to watch middle school and high school matches when they can.  According to Figi, without even looking at his impeccable wrestling and leadership pedigree, he is the only individual who stepped up in our search this summer.  This fact, coupled with his full-blooded passion for the sport, the passion for the program and his history in wrestling makes this an extremely easy but critical decision for the club.  He and his wife Mary live in town.  They have four children, Stephanie, Kevin, Tony and Amy.  Dave’s social interest and passion has been his involvement with youth sports and activities in our community and state.  He is currently the Chairman of the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, a highly accredited wrestling referee, and a member of the Junior National Olympic Wrestling Committee. He also serves on the long range planning committee for USA Wrestling in Colorado Springs.

Kevin Black – Development and Outreach

According to Carlos Figi, the wrestling booster club needed to outreach in ways beyond wrestling.  We knew that if you asked someone about River Falls wrestling, the name Kevin Black would likely come up in the conversation.  We also needed a single person to look at the club from the 10,000-foot view in order to provide guidance, criticism and feedback for the club to improve according to its mission, its numbers and its effectiveness.  He and his wife Liz and son Isaiah live in town.  Kevin also is the owner & coach of Victory School of Wrestling.  Black has coached USA Wrestling age-group women’s teams for the last two years.  He has participated as a coach in a number of Women’s Team USA training camps in recent seasons.  Kevin serves as the Women’s Director for the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation. He has coached the Wisconsin Junior Nationals Women’s team since 2006 and has coached Wisconsin athletes at the USGWA Nationals for the last two years.  Kevin has started a new women’s wrestling club program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  He has coached and operated the Victory School of Wrestling here in River Falls.  He served as an assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin (Barry Davis) from 2003-05, working with the Division 1 program there. He was a wrestling coach at Lodi High School from 2005-06.  He has been the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation State Coach from 2004-06, and coached the state’s Cadet Freestyle National Team from 2002-06.  He and his brother Tony Black conducted the Black Brothers Wrestling Camps from 2000-06.  He was a NCAA Division 1 All-American for the University of Wisconsin, where he was a NCAA qualifier three times and served as the team captain three times. Black won four Wisconsin state titles for River Falls High School, with a 160-0 career record. He competed on the senior level in freestyle, competing in a number of major international tournaments.  From UW Badgers.com - “Kevin brings some new energy to the team and to the program. He is very excited. Kevin is a wrestling junkie. He grew up with wrestling and loves wrestling people. He has been involved as an athlete, a coach and an administrator. He truly knows USA Wrestling, which is good for the organization. He has the right personality to coach our women. They can trust him immediately. The most important thing about Kevin as an athlete is he can find the good in every situation. He finds a way to learn from every experience and walk away with a smile. That attitude is contagious, and I think he will bring that to our program.”