ILLINI Wrestling Video Library Project

 

ILLINI VIDEO LIBRARY

This is your video library of ILLINI Wrestling. Matches from youtube are included, as are videos from the War Room, the video media arm of ILLINI Wrestling Blog and Forum and Beyond. Then, check out some general ILLINI Wrestling-related videos from the past. 

Eventually, I hope to have all of the video possible of ILLINI matches and interviews through the years, as well as important high school matches and other wrestling-related ephemera. Then, you can locate a match or individual by using the "find" mechanism on your device. 

INTERVIEWS AND SUCH

ILLINI LEGENDS: The Jordan Blanton Story

The start of a new series called "ILLINI LEGENDS." In this inaugural edition, hear from the legend himself, Jordan Blanton, as we talk about his high school "Super Matches," his three All-American honors at the University of ILLINOIS and his new gig, the Relentless Training Center. 

ILLINI LEGENDS: The Adam Tirapelle Story

Adam graciously granted an interview to the War Room to discuss his fantastic career as an ILLINI. He won a National Championship in 2001, finished second in 2000, and earned bronze in 1999. He also discusses his high school wrestling and coaching careers, as well as his business. 

BECOMING LEGEND: The Lucas Byrd Story

This was the start of another new series, "Becoming Legend." As a Freshman All American, Lucas Byrd was a natural to start the series. Hear his story, how he chose ILLINOIS, what the heck is "Pillow Man," and all about his matches with Austin DeSanto. 

THE WAR ROOM INTERVIEW: The ILLINI Wrestling Freshmen

This was a fun interview with the incoming Freshmen redshirts. You can hear from Dylan Connell, Maximo Renteria, Caden Ernd and Joe Braunagel. You'll laugh at their goofy practical jokes and enjoy their camaraderie. There are also snippets of videos from some of their high school matches. (I realize that the front of the video has a tweet from a non-Freshman, but comedy gold gets rewarded). 

THE WAR ROOM INTERVIEW OF MIKE POETA AND DYLAN DUNCAN

This interview was done before Mike Poeta became Head Coach Poeta and before Dylan Duncan became an All American. The topics are wide-ranging, and the discussion is frank. Dylan and Coach Poeta are two of the "purest technique" wrestlers you'll ever get to see. 

THE WAR ROOM: An Amateur Wrestling Show (Interview of Mike Poeta)

Coach Poeta talks about a lot of interesting things, including his finals matches, making Team USA, Mark Johnson stories, and my most-hated ILLINI wrestling match: Poeta versus Churella at Huff Hall. The ref stole it! 

ILLINI CAREER VARSITY WRESTLING WINS: Through the Years

This video is educational like Steve Martin's Top 40 hit, King Tut, or like the Beach Boys' Christmas song, Little Saint Nick, especially the refrain at the end when the dumb-sounding Beach Boy sings, "Christmas comes this time each year." Yeah, like that! This video shows you all of the Top 25 ILLINI wins leaders in numerical and chronological order, done in the cool internet fashion. 

ILLINI 2021 NCAA HYPE VIDEO

This is a favorite of mine. Watch it and find out why. To dispel any myths before they get started, I like Opera. About 20 minutes of it. The other 2,539 hours sucks. The video features some of the best takedowns (and riding) from Lucas Byrd, Dylan Duncan, Luke Luffman and Danny and Zac Braunagel.

ILLINI 2022 NCAA HYPE VIDEO

This video features Justin Cardani, Lucas Byrd, Danny Braunagel, Zac Braunagel and Luke Luffman in the very cool Thug Life mode.

ILLINI NCAA TITLE MATCHES

Isaiah Martinez vs. Jason Nolf: 2016 NCAA title (157 lbs.)

Credit to the NCAA, which provides the following for a description of the video contents: "Illinois' Isaiah Martinez needed a takedown in the final seconds to defeat Penn State's Jason Nolf for his second consecutive national championship in 2016. See the full match replay here."

Isaiah Martinez - 2015 NCAA Wrestling Champion (157 lb)

Credit Fighting ILLINI Athletics, describing the video as follows: "University of Illinois redshirt-freshman Isaiah Martinez wins the NCAA wrestling 157-pound national title. Martinez defeated Brian Realbuto (Cornell) by major decision, 10-2, on March 21, 2015 in St. Louis to become the first freshman to be an undefeated national champion since Cael Sanderson of Iowa State accomplished the feat in 1999."

Jesse Delgado vs. Nahshon Garrett: 2014 NCAA title match at 125 pounds

Credit: NCAA, which described the match as follows, "Illinois' Jesse Delgado outmatches Cornell's Nahshon Garrett in the 2014 NCAA wrestling championship match at 125 pounds. [Editor's Note: SPOILER ALERT] The two battled in the low-scoring bout as Delgado escaped with a 3-2 victory."

Jesse Delgado - 2013 NCAA Wrestling 125 lb. Champion

Credit to Fighting ILLINI Athletics, which writes the following about the video: "University of Illinois sophomore Jesse Delgado became the first Fighting Illini wrestling national champion since 2003 and the program's first ever at 125 lbs. with a [Editor's Note: SPOILER ALERT] 7-4 win over Penn State's Nico Megaludis at the 2013 NCAA Championships at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa on March 23, 2013."

Adam Tirapelle's 2001 NCAA Championship Match

The oldest of the Tirapelle brothers won his championship in 2001 against David Esposito of Lehigh. The key takedown came near the end of the first period as Adam used his patented elbow shove to get in on a double. He rode out Esposito to end the period, giving him a 2-0 lead. 

WWE's Kurt Angle vs. Jon Llewellyn | 1991 NCAA title match

Credit to the NCAA, which describes the video as follows: "Watch Kurt Angle battle Jon Llewellyn for the 1991 NCAA wrestling heavyweight title. Angle, then a junior at Clarion College, fell to Illinois' Jon Llewellyn in the championship bout." [Editor's Note: The video doesn't contain the full match.]

1995 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship - 150 pounds: Marianetti, Illinois vs McIIravy, Iowa

Hat tip to Wrestling With Character (wrestlingwithcharacter.com), which describes the video as follows: 1995 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship - 150 pounds: Steve Marianetti, Illinois [Editor's Note: SPOILER ALERT] def Lincoln McIlravy, Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling 13-10. Not said is that the ILLINI had the biggest upset in NCAA history against a Hawkeye in Carver Hawkeye Arena.

1995 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship - 158 pounds, Ernest Benion, Illinois vs Wimsberger, Michigan State

Hat tip to Wrestling With Character (wrestlingwithcharacter.com), which describes the video as follows: "1995 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship - 158 pounds, Ernest Benion, Illinois def Dan Wimsberger, Michigan State 6-5." [Editor's Note: Watch to the end for the celebration.]

Kyle Ott versus Jason Powell, NCAA Final (2004)

The ILLINI lightweight stud at 125 may have been the fastest human wrestler--even after 12 knee operations. You can see his speed in the first takedown in this match. Powell, who was already a three-time AA and #1 seed, used some tilts to pull away. Could Kyle Ott have been an Olympic Champion with zero knee surgeries and no broken ankles? I think so. He would end up with something like 17 knee surgeries before he left his shoes on the mat and became a Medical Doctor. Video credit: NCAA Championships. 

Adam Tirapelle's 2000 NCAA Final versus Tony Davis (Part 1)

Adam made the finals of the NCAA tournament in 2000 and wrestled Tony Davis of Northern Iowa. This was a barn-burner that went to overtime. What you have here is just part one of the match. I think it's safe to say that Adam benefited from the out-of-bounds lines, but Davis benefited from the lack of an Oliver/Steiber rule back in the day. 

Adam Tirapelle's 2000 NCAA Final versus Tony Davis (Part 2)

This video is the completion of the finals match at 149 in 2000 between Adam Tirapelle and Tony Davis of Northern Iowa. It looked to me like they both shot at the exact same time, and it was Davis who ended up on top. 

Ed Ruth vs. Nick Amuchastegui, NCAA Finals (2012)

Coach Ed Ruth is now an ILLINI, so we get to claim his valor, stolen or not. Here he fights for a title at 174 against a guy who beat him last year. Ruth wins, of course, and is on his way to three NCAA Championships. Easy Ed here with a low single, then a cradle for two. The cradle should be watched because the Stanford fellow was standing up at the time, but Ruth draped over him and locked it up. Robles: "He looks for that cradle in every single position." Video credit: NCAA Championships. 

 

2018 NCAAs Recap.

This provides a short review of the 2018 NCAA Championships from an ILLINI perspective, including footage of NCAA runner-up IMAR, Mike Carr, Travis Piotrowski, and Emery Parker (third-place). Credit to Fighting ILLINI Athletics:

OTHER ILLINI NCAA TOURNAMENT MATCHES

2022 Lucas Byrd versus Austin DeSanto.

This was in the consolation semifinals of the NCAA Tournament, the one where Byrd became a two-time AA, while DeSanto earned his fourth AA award. The ILLINI didn't win, but it was, like all their matches, very interesting. Credit to the NCAA and JorgeJaime1970TV.

Lucas Byrd vs. Korbin Meyers, 5th Place Match

The ILLINI had a very tough cookie in his NCAA 5th place match in Virginia Tech's Korbin Meyers. But the ILLINI came through in a big way against a really good wrestler. Lucas was leading 6-2 in the third when he got the pinfall!

Adam Tirapelle versus Mike Kulcycki, Quarterfinals of 2001 NCAAs

In this match, Tirapelle dominated getting a pin in the first period with a kind of arm turk of the Wolverine's legs. It was brutal! The video is from Earl Smith. Of course, Adam would go on to win his NCAA championship later in this tournament.

Emery Parker vs. Drew Foster, 2018 Consolation 2nd Round

This was a crazy NCAA tournament for Parker. He lost in the first round, and in the second round of consolations, he would have a returning AA in Drew Foster, who would also go on to win the championship the next year. Later in the consolations, Emery would have to beat the three seed (Ryan Preisch, Lehigh, an All-American next year) in the blood round to assure AA status. In this match, Emery worked his drags and go-behinds to perfection, and his big move was a cradle. Credit to wrestleguy 77.

Lucas Byrd vs. Jacob Rundell, NCAA (2021)

Right off the bat, we learn that folkstyle doesn't have a slip rule, as Byrd goes for the quick pin via headlock, but slips and gives up two. That was all the scoring the Purdue kid managed besides an escape. Lucas came away with the 12-3 major on his way to a fifth-place AA finish as a Freshman. This match is also notable for a beautiful hybrid lat drop/foot sweep that earned the ILLINI 6 points. He did that right after the headlock attempt because he lacks fear. Video credit to wrestleguy 77.

Emery Parker vs. Chaz Poulson, 1st Round Consolations, 2018

This was another of the seven consecutive matches that Emery had to win to earn third place after a first round loss in the 2018 NCAA tournament. He starts off with a beautiful fireman's carry that he converts into four back points. Parker was exceptional at earning back points immediately after a takedown. Credit to wrestleguy 77.

Zane Richards vs. Scotty Parker, 7th Place NCAA Match (2017)

Zane had to beat this two-time NCAA All American twice in this tournament to earn 7th place. The ILLINI dominated him in this match--earning more than two minutes of riding time--and extending his team's lead over the Mountain Hawks. Credit wrestleguy 77. 

Zane Richards' Interview After Winning 7th Place in 2017

Zane talks about his tournament and also his future in Freestyle. As it turns out, he will make a World Team!

Zac Braunagel vs. Caleb Hopkins, 2022 NCAA Tournament

This was a rematch from the previous year, and the Brawlnagel exacted some revenge on the way to the blood round. He starts off with a slick go-behind for two, later trys a footsweep, defends a single attempt and turns it into another first-period takedown, then adds another takedown as time expired in the first. He won 11-4 with that riding time point. 

 

Lucas Byrd vs. Darren Miller, NCAA 1st Round (2021)

This was Freshman Lucas Byrd's first match in his first NCAA tournament. He faced a tough kid from Bucknell. The ILLINI scored the 8-3 victory on his way to a fifth-place All-American finish. In this match, Byrd scored on two go-behinds and a reversal. Miller had three escapes. Video credit to wrestleguy 77. 

INTERNATIONAL MATCHES

Mike Poeta vs. Trent Paulson, World Cup Wrestle-off (2010)

Mike Poeta wrestled in the Freestyle World Cup in Moscow in 2010. To get there, he had to beat a gauntlet of America's best wrestlers, including both of the Paulson brothers. This match showcased one of my favorite takedowns of all time. You have to see this! Paulson was pushing forward with a standing front-headlock on the ILLINI. Poeta trips and flips him over for two! Video courtesy of USA Wrestling.

Mike Poeta vs. Trent Paulson, World Cup Wrestle-off (2010)

This is a snippet from the previous video focusing on that magical trip. The video is entitled, "The World's Most Tricksy-est Trip Takedown." Instead of hearing Jason Bryant on the call, you get a portion of the ILLINI fight song. Video credit to USA Wrestling; Music credit to the ILLINI Marching Band, Gary Smith, Conductor.

Isaiah Martinez vs. Jordan Burroughs, Final X (2019)

This was match number two of this three-match Final X series to determine the person that would go to the World Championships. Burroughs won the first bout in the last few seconds. In this match, he took a 2-0 lead into the second period with two step outs. In the final stanza, IMAR got the early step out to make it a 1-2 margin. He quickly added a takedown and a leg lace for the 5-2 advantage. Burroughs desperately tried to come back, but fell short in this 6-5 epic.

Zane Richards vs. Jakob Camacho for the World Team (2022)

This was a true third place match to determine the final berth on the World Team at 57kg. [Editor's Note: There are the usual Flo Wrestling technical difficulties at the start of the video. Just jump to 1:13]. A slick counter followed by two gut wrenches led to a 6-0 advantage for the IRTC stalwart. A quick and slick single and another gut, and Coach Medlin (and all of ILLINILand) were jumping for joy.

Isaiah Martinez vs. Devin Skatzka, Senior Nationals (2021)

Skatzka ends the first period up 9-0. Early in the second IMAR hits the wicked inside trip that puts Skatzka on his back. The pinfall follows. This was a test of IMAR up at 79kg and coming back from injury/surgery, as Skatzka, even in college, has always been huge at his weight.

Kyle Ott vs. Ryan McLester, Senior Folkstyle Nationals (2001)

This is very grainy video, but you immediately see the speed of Kyle Ott, and you also get a lot of technique on the feet (spin behind, club and spin behind, single to a double, sweep single and power double) and riding (wrist control, lightning standup). 14-3 win for the future ILLINI. Kyle is already wearing two knee pads because of multiple knee surgeries.

Danny Braunagel with the :29 pinfall at the Junior Pan Ams.

ILLINI DUAL AND OPEN MATCHES

Mike Poeta College Highlights

Treat yourself to amazing ankle picks, a "no hands" takedown, brutal blast doubles, some kind of cradle-thingy takedown that I'm at a loss to describe, and many other slick two-pounters by the Artist himself, Mike Poeta. There's also a testimonial from NCAA Champ Bubba Jenkins. This video is courtesy of the Poeta Training Center.

Mike Poeta vs. Brian Daly, Dual Match

Here Mikey Poeta grinds out a win over author and coach Brian Daly at Huff Hall. Video credit: Brian Daly.

Adam Tirapelle versus Reggie Wright, Las Vegas Invitational (1999)

Reggie Wright was one helluva wrestler for Oklahoma State out of Proviso East. He would be a two-time AA. In 1999, he faced Adam Tirapelle in the Las Vegas tournament and got majored 2-10. Tirapelle won the Most Outstanding Wrestler award for this tournament. The video was uploaded by jmachinder. 

Jesse Delgado versus Iowa's Matt McDonough at Carver 

This is one of my favorite ILLINI dual matches. It took place in Carver Hawkeye Arena before thousands of screaming crazies. Because of homer calls, Delgado had to beat McDonough twice to win, once in regulation, then again in overtime. Credit to themat.com.

Mark Jayne vs. Foley Dowd, Big Ten Finals (2004)

The stud ILLINI from Ohio faced a Michigan wrestler who was undefeated and ranked #2 in the nation in the Big Ten Finals at 133. Jayne was a multiple-time AA for the Orange and Blue, and in 2004, he helped lead the team to the top of the conference dual standings. In 2005, he helped the team win a B1G tournament crown. In this match, Mark traded takedowns with Dowd over the first two periods. In period three, he shot a double, switched to a single, then rolled Dowd onto his back to secure the takedown! Video credit to n3rdcrush3r. 

Isaiah Martinez (IMAR) vs. Vincenzo Joseph, B1G Tournament (2018)

This was the "Feature Match" of the Big Ten Championship Tournament in 2018, and it pitted two national champions against each other. "Starting this match is like lighting a stick of dynamite...." Credit to Big Ten Network (for the video and for the two commercials at the beginning and two sets of ads in the middle of the video). IMAR is the 4-1 winner, and, indeed, he had a winning record against everybody he faced while wearing the varsity "I." That's easier to do when you only lose three matches in your college career. This win also gave IMAR his fourth B1G championship, joining a select group that included his coach, Jim Heffernan. 

Isaiah Martinez vs. Dylan Ness, B1G Championship (2015)

This was IMAR's first of four Big Ten Championships. The Freshman from ILLINOIS had to go through three-time All-American and one-time finalist Dylan Ness. Ness was a Senior. This match was the "Yes, he's for real" statement from the ILLINI stud. It also had my favorite brutal takedown of all time. The poor Gopher got squashed. 

2021 Luke Luffman vs. Jamarcus Grant.

This was a dual winning match, as the victory came down to the heavyweights. Luuuuke triumphed, and the ILLINI won. Purdue lost. Credit to BTN. 

HIGH SCHOOL MATCHES

IHSA CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Jordan Blanton versus Chris Spangler

This was one of the "Super Matches" that became famous among people who love the ILLINOIS State Championship series. It involved future ILLINI All-American Jordan Blanton and the future Iowa State Cyclone Chris Spangler. 

Emery Parker High School Highlights

Here you have Emery Parker doing crazy work with a lethal high crotch, one beautiful foot sweep, go-behinds, a wicked hip toss, at least one cradle and lots of pins. A fun ride! Emery never won an IHSA state championship so his AA awards as an ILLINI are particularly sweet.

MISCELLANEOUS

Coach Mike Poeta Mic'd Up and Leading ILLINI Practice

A short video of Coach Poeta running practice in 2020, with cameos from Lucas Byrd, the Braunagel brothers, Dylan Duncan and the whole squad. You can feel the importance he puts on position, angles and explosions. Video credit to BTN.

Adam Tirapelle's Induction into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame

In 2014, Tirapelle was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame. The video below shows the ceremony and also the speech that Adam gave to the assembled crowd.

Video Celebrating Adam Tirapelle's Elevation into the ILLINI Athletic Hall of Fame

Just a short video showing pictures and giving some facts about Adam Tirapelle's wrestling career at ILLINOIS. This video doesn't contain his speech upon acceptance of the honor. 

THE WAR ROOM: Interview of Tom Brands

This is my imagined interview of Tom Brands. I hope someday to see it actually happen. I think it would go something like this:

The Champaign-Urbana Junior League Players Present a Big Ten Conference Wrestling Tournament Preview

This is a stupid video that nobody should watch because it is stupid. 

THE ILLINI ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

This is kind of a silly video, but I think it makes a serious point about Relativity. Enjoy. 

CONFIDENCE

This video is somewhat silly as well. For example, Coach Mike Poeta was not actually in the movie The Good, the Bad and the Ugly as far as I know. He does not appear in the film's credits. 

The PaignCast, Featuring Lucas Byrd

A podcast interview of Lucas Byrd after he earned his first All-American honors in 2021. 

Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast with Zane Richards (2022)

Two-time All-American and National Freestyle Team Member Zane Richards discusses his wrestling life with Ryan Warner of the Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast. This interview took place right before Fargo, so Zane's history on Team ILLINOIS, and his current role coaching the team with Bryan Medlin, is discussed in depth. They spoke about trips to Russia. About Zane IMAR's return and being his best man at his wedding--until Covid happened. Also, find out what he means by "applied encyclopedias." Credit to Ryan Warner for the video.

Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast with Adam Tirapelle (2019)

This is a great in-depth look at Adam Tirapelle's wrestling life starting from the beginning and going all the way up to his current coaching days with Clovis High School. Ryan Warner is the one to thank for this video.

Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast Featuring Brian Glynn (2020)

Two-time All-American Brian Glynn talks to Ryan Warner about wrestling. Calls himself a "Grinder," and that couldn't be more true. He was amazing to watch as an upper weight when he went for that John Smith low single, laying on his belly, working up to get the takedown. Ultimate Grind It Out! Glynn also talks about his coaching philosophy. You'll want to hear the Mötley Crüe story (near the end). Video credit to Ryan Warner of Wrestling Changed My Life. 

DANNY BRAUNAGEL WITH 2!

Credit our Friend Jay for the Video, the IWB&F for the editing. On Youtube, the video is described as follows: "From the University of ILLINOIS versus Chattanooga dual on December 11, 2021. The wrestlers are Danny Braunagel for ILLINOIS and Drew Nicholson for Chattanooga."

MORE NCAA MATCHES!

Mike Poeta versus Jordan Burroughs (2009 NCAA title match)

Both wrestlers were having unblemished seasons. Watch how much of the match Burroughs spends on his knees in neutral.

 

Mike Poeta versus Dan Valimont of Penn State (2008 Semifinal NCAA match)

Valimont had a great NCAA career and an excellent freestyle career. Unfortunately for him, he ran into Mike Poeta and IMAR. Credit to Earl Smith of D1CW Vault for the video.

ILLINI Warmups (Hype Video) for 2019 NCAA Championships

The video shows the ILLINI getting ready for the 2019 NCAA Championships in Pittsburgh, PA. You see Emery Parker, Michael Carr, Jeremy Hunter, etc. on the floor of the arena getting their last workouts in before the Big Dance. 

 

GRECO

Zac Braunagel vs. Jonathan Loew of Cornell.

Junior World Team Member Zac Braunagel versus Jonathan Loew of Cornell/Finger Lakes. Zac does a Greco Duck into a body lock. Loew drops like a sack of cement, and Zac rolls him over with various gut wrenches for the 8-0 tech. 

Kyle Ott Clinic on the "Duck Double"

Sometimes it seems unfair that somebody so quick can also be so technically proficient. Here Kyle Ott takes time off from his career in medicine to instruct some young go-getters on the "Duck Double." Video credit to GOhiocasts. 

The ILLINI Three-in-One

This is not wrestling; this is music. But since this particular music goes into a lot the ILLINI Wrestling Blog and Forum and Beyond's videos, it deserves a spot here, as well as in our hearts. Here's your ILLINI Marching Band, Gary Smith, Conductor: 

CONCLUSION

This isn't everything. Not by a long shot! This project will consume hundreds of very enjoyable hours. So, if you see a video related to ILLINI Wrestling, please drop me a line. I want to include it. This will be our video library of ILLINI Wrestling. Cheers!