United States Military
Academy
THE BEST COLLEGE WRESTLING NEWSLETTER IN
AMERICA, 2005 - WRESTLINGUSA MAGAZINE
November
2005
10 November 2003
‘05-’06
Update #1
Coach’s Corner
completing the journey.” - James Hollis, ‘06
The DIRTY DOZEN?
“I’m just lucky to be a member of the toughest team at West Point.” Gabriel Antonio Lucero, ‘06
This year, 12 seniors will provide leadership, strength, and
guidance for the Army Wrestling team. This large group of seniors represents the maturation of the Army wrestling program.
Having that many seniors on a team is terrific bonus as Coach
Barbee pointed out, “It is amazing to have 12 seniors on any
team in the country.” “Most schools consider 5 seniors to be a
solid group but 12 is really something to be proud of.”
This year’s senior class includes (in alphabetical order): Steven Anastasia (165 lbs., from Medford, New York), Jon Anderson
(165 lbs. from Virginia Beach, Virginia), Luke Calvert (184 lbs.
from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma), Joe Cohe (149 lbs. from Falls
Church, Virginia), Tommy Hendrix (141/149 lbs. from Cornwall,
New York), James Hollis (285 lbs. from Turlock, California), Gabe
Lucero (174 lbs. from Las Vegas, New Mexico), Chad Martin (184
lbs. from Carlisle, Pennsylvania), Chad Marzec (165 lbs. from
Toledo, Ohio), Tony Severo (141 lbs. from Allentown, Pennsylvania), Patrick Simpson (149 lbs. from Nashville, Tennessee)
and Todd Wisman (197 lbs. from Harrisonburg, Virginia).
As part of this year’s newsletter coverage, we will closely
follow this senior class and include insights and quotes from our
seniors in each of the three issues of the Army Wrestling Newsletter. As official practices began last month, we asked the seniors what it means to be a senior on the Army Wrestling Team:
"To be a senior on the Army Wrestling Team is the pure love of the
sport. The time, commitment, and heartache — blood, sweat and
tears — for four years can only be endured by someone that truly
cares and cherishes what they are a part of. You are a leader, a mentor, and a big brother to your teammates. Your experience and guidance help your teammates on the path to being successful at the
academy as both a cadet and a wrestler. To be a part of this team for
four years is an honor and something I will remember forever." - Joey
Cohe, ‘06
“It means to be part of a team whose members are as close as brothers. It means to be like fire-hardened steel, because we have all gone
through the fire for three years. It means to be a leader to others on
the team.” - Charles Martin, ‘06
“There is no greater form of preparation for our future profession than
being a member of this team. We are a Nation at war and it is the
responsibility of those given the great honor of attending West Point
to be the best combat leaders that we can be. It is what is expected
of us by the Nation and many of the traits of a leader are demanded
of us everyday in the wrestling room. Upon graduation we will already have known of sacrifice and brotherhood at a level far beyond
our counterparts; this is what sets an Army Wrestler apart from the
pack.” - Thomas Hendrix, ‘06
“Being on the Army Wrestling team is like being a part of a family.
From the great coaches and Officer Representatives, to the band of
brothers on the team, we are one big family. We push ourselves to
the limits together with one common goal: To be the best.” - Patrick
Simpson, ‘06
"Being a senior on the Army Wrestling Team is simply an honor. The
effort and devotion put forth by both the coaching staff and members
of the team both amazes and humbles me. The work ethic and talent
possessed not only by individuals, but the team as a whole makes me
feel privileged to be apart of it. I may not be the hardest working kid
out there, and I know I am not on the same level as some of the others when it comes to time and dedication, but I know despite all my
flaws and inadequacies the team accepts me and will always be there
to support me and pick me up when I fall. That is a rare quality for
any team to posses, and in the end, that's what you remember
most." - Stephen Anastasia, ‘06
“Being part of the Army Wrestling team has meaning that extends far
beyond the concept of a team or even success itself. It means a lot
more than just being part of a team; every Army wrestler is part of a
family that pushes the limits of insanity, and loves every second of it.”
- Jon Anderson, ‘06
"‘When a warrior fights not for himself, but for his brothers, when his
most passionately sought goal is neither glory nor his own life's preservation, but to spend his substance for them, his comrades, not to
abandon them, not to prove unworthy of them, then his heart truly
has achieved contempt for death, and with that he transcends himself
and his actions touch the sublime. This is why the true warrior cannot
speak of battle save to his brothers, who have been there with him.
This truth is too holy, too sacred, for words.’" (Taken from Stephen
Pressfield’s Gates of Fire). - Todd Wisman, ‘06
“Being a senior on this team means it’s your last chance to make a
mark in Army Wrestling history, on the team, and on the mat.” - Tony
Severo, ‘06
"As a senior, Army Wrestling is more than just a sport or a name, it’s
a family. I bare all, wrestle my best, and push myself past all possible limits for my brothers and for what we represent. That’s why I am
on the team today, because my teammates push me and encourage
me to be the best . . . and that is what I will be. Always relentless." Chad Marzec, ‘06
“Brotherhood forged from suffering together and success through
sacrifice. Loyalty to that which is greater than ourselves.” - Luke Calvert, ‘06
“It is special because every year there are so few who make it the
whole four years: between the grueling practices and challenges of
the academy. It fills you full of pride to know that you are so close to
Coach Chuck Barbee
Head Coach
845-938-3123
[email protected]
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Army Wrestling News Update #1
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Recent News
TODD WISMAN EARNS ACADEMIC ALLAMERICA HONORS
Todd Wisman starts off the 2005-06 Season not only as
Army’s highest returning EIWA place-winner, but also as an
NWCA All-Academic Team Member. Todd accomplished these
distinctions through his wrestling success as well as by carrying a 3.8 GPA in Nuclear Engineering. Throughout his cadetship Todd has been a tough, disciplined wrestler and these
attributes have made him one of the highest ranking cadets in
his class. We pass on our congratulations to Todd – he is
going to be a big part of our team this year.
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NEW STRENGTH TRAINING COACH
New strength coach Mark Watts is working hard to get
the team in top physical form. Mark’s experience includes
work at Denison University, Allegheny College and Clarion
University. He holds an MS in Exercise Science and Health
from California University of Pennsylvania. Strength and conditioning have been fundamental to the team’s success in the
past and Mark’s efforts in this area are pivotal to the ultimate
success of this year’s team as well. Recently, Mark expressed
his feeling about being part of the Army Wrestling Family:
"Being able to train the Army Wrestling team is an honor for
me. Working with these young men is very satisfying because of
their tenacious work ethic and their willingness to make sacrifices
to become a better wrestler on the mat. These young men have
bought in to our system and have made incredible gains in a short
amount of time. This is largely due to their effort, intensity and
their ability to adapt to a new training system. This success in the
weight room will undoubtedly transfer to success on the mat."
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Patrick Simpson (‘06) pins Penn’s Jordan Leen in 5:34 at the
EIWA Tournament in Annapolis, MD (Source: themat.com)
Academic All-American Todd Wisman (‘06) in action last season
against Chattanooga’s Josh Ward. Todd won 5-3 in overtime.
PRE-SEASON NEWS
This year, we focused our pre-season on establishing a
solid conditioning base as well as workouts designed to be
more physically and mentally challenging.
Our goals for
2005-06 season are focused on building our team’s internal
bond, wrestling harder than any team in the Nation, and winning with speed. The wrestlers endured a number of grueling
hill workouts as well as interval and distance runs. The highlight of the running program included sprints up the West
Point ski-slope with a mouth full of water.
Army wrestling started the pre-season with 51 young men
and held its first official practice in the new Arvin Gymnasium
Wrestling Room on October 3rd. The start of every season is
always exciting, however, this year began with a special
sense of anticipation: for the first time in four years the team
started the season in a designed-for-the-purpose facility. This
is the inaugural season for the new Army Wrestling facility in
the completely re-built Arvin Gym. Our new facility is spectacular — perhaps the best in the country — and includes four
42X42 mats, fitness equipment, a team room, a locker room
with showers and restrooms, and a suite of coach’s offices.
The new Arvin Gymnasium also includes four additional 42X84
wrestling rooms, three swimming pools, a state of the art rock
wall, two gymnasiums (in addition to Hayes Gym and the indoor track), six racquetball courts, along with boxing, cardio
and weight rooms
New strength coach Mark Watts working with Fernando Martinez
(‘08; left) and newcomer Whitt Dunning (’09).
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November 2005
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Two views of the new wrestling room in the renovated Arvin
Cadet Physical Development Center, aka Arvin Gym (inset).
Tidbits
Wrestling Donations
I’d like to remind everyone that any donation made to the Army “A” Club can be designated for Army Wrestling. Donations help
us achieve the margin of excellence required to produce leaders for America and win many wrestling championships along the
way. You can earmark your contributions to the Army Wrestling Team by making your check out to:
West Point Fund/Army A Club (and please write “wrestling donation ” in the memo line)
Also, check to see if your company contributes matching funds for these types of donations. If you have any questions or suggestions on how you might be able to support Army Wrestling and our continuing efforts now and in the future, please feel free
to call me with your ideas! Thanks! - Coach Barbee
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Army Wrestling News Update #1
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Tidbits
COACH BARBEE TO MOVE ON CAMPUS
The Army Athletic Department and West Point have made
a clear commitment to Army Wrestling by providing the Head
Coach with a newly constructed house on post. “It is a beautiful home and I’m excited to be closer to the Team and the
happenings on post at West Point,” said Coach Barbee. The
new home saves a great deal of commuting time for the
coach and generally makes his job easier. The new home is
located near Keller Army Community Hospital on the north
end of campus. Coach Barbee and his wife Sally and their
four children are expected to be settled by early November.
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COACH CLAYTON’S NEW BOOK, THE
CHAMPIONSHIP TRAINING LOG FOR
WRESTLING
Coach Clayton’s new book is focused on providing training tips
for young wrestlers so that they
may establish a more disciplined
and systematic approach to training. He began work on the book
shortly after the 2005 NCAA
Championships. “There is something so special about having
been a part of Phil Simpson’s
journey to the NCAA Finals,” said
Clayton. “It really motivated me
to create something to help our
wrestlers map their own success
and help them reach that ultimate
session of the NCAA Tournament:
Session 6.” Coach Clayton has also launched a complementary website called Session6wrestling.com and he is marketing the book to wrestlers of all ages who have a burning desire to become their best. He is also expanding the book into
Championship Training Log Clinics during which he travels to
schools and clubs across the country to demonstrate training
techniques for wrestlers and coaches on how to use the book
to its fullest. Each member of the Army Wrestling Team now
has a copy of the book to help them monitor and improve
their training habits.
ment of the Prep School team will be greatly enhanced. Many
details associated with the move are being worked out. As of
this date the precise location of the Prep School on the Academy grounds has not been decided.
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OFFICER REPRESENTATIVES & STAFF
NAMED FOR THE 2005-06 SEASON
Perhaps one of our greatest resources at West Point is
the core of officers and support staff who donate their time
and work so hard to ensure that each wrestler is successful on
and off the mat. This year’s Officer Representative staff includes: Head OR – Col Gene Palka, LTC Frank Galgano, LTC
Blair Tiger, LTC Todd Messitt, LTC Scott Krawczyk, MAJ Bill
Epolito, Dr. Jon Malinowski, MAJ/Dr. Dan Costigan, MAJ Nick
Gist, MAJ TJ Wright, CPT Greg Sharpe and Volunteer Assistant
Coach Paul Merritt. Also helping the team is Dr. Woody
Woodworth, former assistant coach at West Point.

FORMER HEAD COACH LEROY ALITZ’ SON
STATIONED AT WEST POINT
COL Curtis Alitz is now stationed at West Point. He is
working with the Keller Army Community Hospital. Welcome
back!

PREP SCHOOL UPDATE: NEW LOCATION
The U.S. Military Academy Prep School will move from
Fort Monmouth, New Jersey to West Point in 2010. This move
is necessitated by the decision of the 2006 Base Realignment
and Closure Commission decision to close Fort Monmouth.
There are a number of advantages associated with this move.
Clearly, the coaching staff’s ability to monitor the develop-
Team photographer Dr Jon Malinowski had several photos from
the ASICS 2005 East Coast Beach Wrestling National Championships published in the October 13, 2005 issue of W.I.N. Magazine.
Here, Danny Mitthauer takes down Dominic Oddo.
November 2005
Page 5
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Returning Starters
Inside Trip
2005-06 WRESTLING SCHEDULE
By Christian Anderson, Army Sports Information
The complete 2005-06 Schedule is now posted on the
web at www.GoArmySports.com!
125 POUNDS
Army Wrestling may have its toughest dual meet schedule in history. Nearly half of the dual meets scheduled for this
season are against top 25 teams. Without question, the Black
Knights’ toughest challenge will be facing two-time NCAA
team champions Oklahoma State in Stillwater in January.
Oklahoma State is ranked 1st in the Nation again this year.
The team is exceptionally strong: 8 of its 10 wrestlers are
ranked nationally, and 7 of those are ranked within the top 8
in pre-season polls. Clearly this is a tough challenge for the
team, but it’s a test that we relish. We want to be one of the
elite programs in the country, and to achieve that goal we will
have to wrestle the best.
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THREE WRESTLERS SELECTED FOR SPECIAL
FORCES TRAINING
Tommy Hendrix, Gabe Lucero and Todd Wisman earned
the distinct honor of being selected to take part in the Special
Forces training program during the past summer. They were
selected to take part in the SFAS Course, which assesses and
selects soldiers for attendance at the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). The SFAS affords the Special Forces the
opportunity to assess each soldier's capabilities by testing his
physical, emotional, and mental stamina. Furthermore, the
SFAS allows each soldier to make a meaningful and educated
decision about Special Forces as a career path.
As part of the training, candidates participate in a variety
of activities designed to place them under various forms of
physical and mental stress. By doing so, Special Forces trainers are able to assess each candidate’s potential and qualification through behavioral observation and analysis of discrete
performance measures. All tasks are performed in a neutral
environment with limited information and no performance
feedback. Candidates become familiar with the phrase, "do
the best that you can."
Sophomores Travis Featherstone and Fernando Martinez have
battled throughout the preseason and the odds are that one
these second-year performers will eventually emerge as the
starter. Freshman Davey Mason, a two-time Oklahoma state
champion, will be a factor. The younger brother of Phillip and
Patrick Simpson, William, is a talented freshman who will
challenge for a spot right away. Junior Thang Tran, who is
entering his third year with the program, adds quality depth.
133 POUNDS
The starting spot at 133 pounds is up for grabs this year because returning starter Tony Severo has moved up a weight
class. Severo, a 2005 EIWA place-winner for the Black
Knights, is moving up to 141 pounds and his departure creates a hole that needs to be filled. The early favorite to step
in is junior Frank Baughan. Baughan was called upon several
times last year for spot duty and performed admirably.
“Baughan’s a darn good wrestler,” comments Coach Barbee.
“He just needs some time under the lights.” Baughan faces a
tough challenge from freshman Whitt Dunning. Dunning is a
High School All-American, and has demonstrated that he can
compete at the national level. Three-time Oklahoma state
champion Tyler Howard is expected to challenge Baughan as
well. Howard is a freshman, who spent last year at USMAPS,
possesses a great deal of raw talent. We are very excited
about the level of competition at this weight class, which
should become a strength for us in the years to come.
141 POUNDS
The favorite at 141 pounds is senior Tony Severo, who moved
up a weight class after a highly successful year at 133
pounds. “I think his best weight is at 141, and I think we’ll
see a lot of fire in his eyes this year. Tony will be tough to
beat this season,” said Coach Barbee.” Lief Gilsdorf will be a
great competitor at this weight class as well. Gilsdorf, a junior, stepped in and won his only bout of the year in 2005, a 32 dual match victory over an opponent from Sacred Heart.
Senior Tommy Hendrix, who has been a solid contributor for
Army throughout his career, will add steady leadership to this
group. Others competitors include junior Mike Tatz, and two
freshmen: Casey Schrieber and Brock Epps.
149 POUNDS
Senior Patrick Simpson, will move up from 141 pounds, and is
projected as the starter in the 149-pound weight class. As
usual, Patrick has demonstrated a deal of great determination
during his off-season program. The coaching staff is expecting
big things from him this year as the Team Captain and as one
of the squad’s seasoned veterans. Drake Rossi, a tough freshman from Illinois, will be one of the three wrestlers pushing
Simpson this year. Rossi has good skills and a very promising
future with the Black Knight’s. Austin Milster and Gary Bowman will add depth to this group as well. Milster, a junior, is a
tireless worker. Bowman is a freshman and walked on to the
team after spending a productive season at USMAPS.
CDT Tommy Hendrix at SFAS Course this past summer.
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Army Wrestling News Update #1
157 POUNDS
We are expecting a hard-fought battle at 157 pounds this
year. Sophomore Aaron Wernimont has moved up to 157
pounds after putting together an 8-8 mark last year as Phillip
Simpson’s primary backup at 149 pounds. Aaron will make a
strong bid to be the starter at this weight class. Sophomore
Brandon Benson, who started several matches last year as a
Plebe, is also in the group. Benson, a two-time Oklahoma high
school state champion, authored a 15-16 record last season
with four pins. Freshman Brian Rowan is a great competitor
and is coming off a successful year at USMAPS. Stephen Anastasia, Ed Gibbons, Joey Cohe, Caleb Pelletier and Jon Drew
are all expected to wrestle at 157 pounds, making it the deepest weight class on the team.
Coach Barbee summed up the competition at this weight
class, “I think several guys could start for us, and whoever
gets the nod is going to be pretty darn tough. I think we have
the man-power to make some noise on the national level in
this class.”
165 POUNDS
Coming off a break-out junior season, senior Chad Marzec is
the incumbent at 165 pounds. Marzec, started every match for
the Black Knights last year, and won a career-best 23
matches, including 12 dual bouts. “Chad is a great worker and
he is determined to make it happen for himself at the national
level this year,” says Coach Barbee. Marzec will face fierce
competition from classmate Jon Anderson, who moved up
from 157. Anderson started more than half of Army’s dual
matches last year and forged a 12-7 overall mark. “Jon is as
big and as ripped as he’s ever been, and he and Chad are
really going to do battle,” said Coach Barbee. Freshman Dan
Geib, who spent the 2004-05 year at USMAPS, has also demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level. He is a former Pennsylvania state champion. Freshmen Duder Edmunds
and Aaron Carter will get their first taste of college wrestling
this year, as will junior Bob Heightchew, who is returning from
his Mormon mission.
174 POUNDS
For the second consecutive year, Coach Barbee expects a
huge battle for the starter’s role at 174 pounds. Senior Gabriel
Lucero, who started during the first half of last season, will go
toe-to-toe with sophomore Scott Ferguson, who replaced
Lucero in the lead role during the final half of 2004-05. The
two grapplers put together statistics that were nearly identical
last year. Lucero enjoyed his best season since arriving at
West Point by racking up a 12-9 record with two pins and
three major decisions. Ferguson, meanwhile, came on strong
at the end of the season, piling up a 10-8 mark with a pin and
two major decisions. Freshman Jon Mathias, who hails from
the talent-rich state of Ohio, enters the Army program after a
year at USMAPS, and figures to provide competition as well.
Hard-working sophomore Brent Smith will add more depth to
this group. He had some success last year and will look to
build on that this season.
184 POUNDS
Senior Luke Calvert, who missed the second half of last season because of a severe injury, returns to the lineup this year
as one of Army’s veteran leaders. The Broken Arrow, Oklahoma native, who has been ranked nationally throughout his
decorated Army career, is determined to make it back to the
NCAA tournament. He enters his final collegiate campaign with
63 career victories, the most of any returning Black Knight.
Senior Charles Martin, who did an outstanding job filling in for
Calvert last year, will battle his classmate for the starting role.
Martin went 18-9 last year with three pins. Sophomore Brent
Nowak will provide Army with depth at the class.
197 POUNDS
Senior Todd Wisman, Army’s highest returning EIWA placewinner, returns to the fold as the early favorite to start once
again at 197 pounds. “Todd has been around the block,” comments Coach Barbee. “He’s been under the heat of competition
for a number of years now, and he’s truly one of our most seasoned veterans.” Wisman won 19 matches last season after
winning a total of just 12 during his first two seasons. However, he will have his work cut out for him as junior Connor
Sanders is nipping at his heels for the starting nod. Sanders
put together 8-9 last season last year, including a 3-3 record in
dual matches.
Freshman Josh Ewing, who was at Western
Reserve Academy last year
and finished as the runnerup in Ohio the year before
that, will be able to grow
and mature this year. The
weight class is rounded out
by sophomore Dan Scheiring; a solid athlete who will
also spend time training at
197 pounds.
285 POUNDS
Sophomore Nathan Thobaben, who started six dual
matches last year, returns
to the Academy this season and is poised to be the
heavy weight starter. Thobaben broke onto the
scene and produced a solid
record of 16-12 during his
Plebe season. Included in
his 16 wins were five pins,
one technical fall and one
major decision. “We expect
Nathan to step it up this
year and take it to another
level,” says Coach Barbee.
Senior James Hollis, who
has been an off-and-on
starter for Army the past
couple of years, will challenge Thobaben for the
starting
position.
Hollis
went 2-1 last season in
dual matches with one win
by fall. Sophomores Raffi
Mnatzakanian and Scott
Clark possess a great deal
of talent and will augment
this group nicely. Freshman Michael Sprigg, who
was a high school AllAmerican, is a tough wrestler and the coaching staff
is optimistic that he will
make a smooth transition
to the college level.
Staff Directory
Chuck Barbee
845-938-3123
[email protected]
Head Coach
Mike Clayton
Head Asst Coach
845-938-5999
[email protected]
Bill Maldonado
Assistant Coach
845-938-5028
[email protected]
COL Gene Palka
Head Officer Representative
845-938-4354
[email protected]
Newsletter Team
- Mike Clayton
Head Assistant Coach
[email protected]
- LTC Frank Galgano
Officer Representative
[email protected]
- Dr Jon Malinowski
Team Photographer
[email protected]