The Hornet News

4/8/01

Simmons Third at High School Nationals

Nick dropped an over-time decision 8-6 to eventual champion Joseph Dubuque of New Jersey in the semi-finals. Then went on to defeat Travis Lee of Hawaii 3-0 and Nate Gallick of Arizona 5-3 for the bronze medal.

Congratulations Nick on an absolutely stellar prep career. We're all looking forward to following you for a long time to come.

4/7/01

Simmons moves on to Semi-finals

Nick advanced to the semi-finals of the High School Senior National Championships today in Newark, Delaware. In the second round he downed Josh Valenti from Missouri, 9-2. Then in the quarter-final he got by Drew Opfer of Ohio, 6-4 in overtime. Tomorrow Nick will face Joseph Dubuque from New Jersey in the semi-finals. I'll keep you posted.

4/7/01

High School Senior Nationals Update

Nick won his first match on Friday with a 0:46 pin over Gillermo Sanchez of Texas. In the next round he faces Josh Valenti of Missouri.

To find updated results check http://wrestlingreport.com/nhsca_senior/, there seem to be problems with the other site.

4/1/01

Simmons Stuns 4x Iowa State Champion

At Saturday's Wrestling USA / Cliff Keen Dream Team Classic Dual Meet, in Iowa, Nick Simmons showed Jesse Sundell of Ogden HS in Iowa a little about why he's the #1 119 pound wrestler in the nation. Sundell is a four time Iowa State Champion who had only lost once in his prep career. It took Nick just 3:37 to hand him his second loss and this one by pin. Read about the rest of the meet here.

Next weekend Nick will compete in the National High School Seniors Wrestling Championships in Newark, Delaware. Over 800 hundred of the best wrestlers from around the country are expected to compete. For information check here - http://www.nhsca.com/

3/26/01

Simmons Shines at Dapper Dan

Nick Simmons scored a third period pin to help the the US All-Stars down the Pennsylvania All-stars 31-19 at the 27th Annual Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic in Pittsburgh. He downed Adam Smith of Newport, PA in 4:31(photo). Smith is a Pennsylvania State Champion with a 132-14 career record.

Nick was also named the Outstanding Wrestler for the USA team (photo). Quite an honor in an event that has had 77 future NCAA Champions wrestle on it's mat. No wonder they call it the "Rose Bowl" of wrestling.

Read more about the match at http://www.post-gazette.com/highschoolsports/20010325classic7.asp

3/18/01

Nick Simmons to Wrestle in Dapper Dan Classic

The teams have been selected for the 27th annual Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic and they include our own Nick Simmons. The feature match will be an All-Star team from the state of Pennsylvania versus the best the United States has to offer at 7:30 p.m. on March 24, 2001, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Check it out at http://wrestlingclassic.com

3/14/01

Hornets Celebrate the End of a Successful Season

The Williamston Wrestlers gathered with their families and supporters at Brookshire Inn Monday night for the annual wrestling banquet. Mike Rice was named the seasons most improved wrestler and Casey Hulliberger, Andy Simmons, and Nick Simmons were named the most valuable wrestlers after their State Championship campaigns. Nick was also presented with a number of accolades and was surprised by a phone conversation with wrestling legend Dan Gable. All the way around it was a great way to celebrate the accomplishments of these fine young athletes and all of their teammates and coaches.

If you are in the Lansing area tomorrow at 5:00 PM tune in to 730 AM The Fan, Nick and Andy will be featured with Dave 'Mad Dog" DeMarco.

3/11/01

Here is an article about Nick from today's Lansing State Journal.

http://www.lsjxtra.com/sports/010311NICK11.TXT.html

3/10/01

Williamston Scores Another Trifecta Plus

The Hornets tore it up at the Joe this weekend bringing home three individual Division 3 state titles and 2 more place winners. Casey Hulliberger won his first after finishing in the runner-up slot last year. Andy Simmons earned his third Finals Gold with a season end record of 162-0 and Nick Simmons officially became the most dominating wrestler in prep history earning his fourth State Championship and ending his Michigan High School career with 211 wins and no losses. I'll fill you in on all of the state and national records soon. Kevin Sharp and Mike Rice both made trips to the medal stand in their first appearance at The Finals. Kevin finished in sixth place and Mike end the season in seventh. Devin Young wrestled hard but fell short in his bid for all state honors.

Now I'm off to the victory party, I'll have more details for you tomorrow.

3/7/01

Hornets Head to the Joe

The six best Williamston Wrestlers head for Joe Louis Arena tomorrow to compete in the MHSAA Individual Finals. Devin Young, Nick Simmons, Andy Simmons, Kevin Sharp, Casey Hulliberger, and Mike Rice are sure to make a small town proud! Nick is our only senior and if he competes his quest this weekend he will become the most dominate high school wrestler in history bringing home his fourth individual title and finishing his high school career undefeated, brother Andy is looking for his third championship while also undefeated and Casey Hulliberger is looking to better last years runner-up finish. For the rest of the Hornets this is their first appearance at the Finals.

To follow the action throughout the tournament, log on to mhsaa.com for up to the minute results. I'll be back with an update as soon as we return.

3/1/01

Williamston Wrestles Tough in Honor Roll Meet

The guys in green went 4-2 at last nights Lansing Wrestling Officals Honor Roll Meet at Eastern High School. Devin Young (103) started things off for the Hornets with a fall in 5:14 against Randy Dexter of Leslie. Next Nick Simmons (119) dispatched Ron Carson of Lansing Eastern in 0:22 followed by a 24-10 major decision by Andy Simmons (135) over Jacob Flannery of Leslie. Next Kevin Sharp (140) scored a technical fall on Justin Sonier of Bath, 17-2. At 145 pounds Scott Kinney of Charlotte edged Casey Hulliberger 1-0 and at 215 Mike Rice dropped one to Kory Witt of St. Johns 6-2.

Nick Simmons was one of four wrestlers awarded a $500 scholarship, the same scholarship his father Scott received 21 years ago when he wrestled in the same meet. Read more about it here in an acticle from the Lansing State Journal.

Join us next week when these six wrestlers finish the season at Joe Louis Arena in the MHSAA Individual Finals.

2/24/01

Williamston To Send 6 To The Finals

The Hornets advanced six grapplers to the Individual State Finals at Joe Louis Arena. Casey Hulliberger, Andy Simmons, and Nick Simmons were all Regional Champions today at Alma. Mike Rice finished in the runner up spot, with Kevin Sharp in third, and Devin Young in fourth.

Look for several Hornets to see action Wednesday evening at the Lansing Wrestling Officials' Honor Roll Meet at Eastern High School.

2/22/01

Regional Results

Here are the box scores from the Team Regional last night at Alma.

2/21/01

Hornets Bow Out of Team Tournament

The boys in green wrestled tough tonight at the Team Regional in Alma but ultimately were unable to advance to the State Team Finals in Battle Creek. The Hornets won their first match against Comstock Park, 41-24, to advance to the sweet sixteen. Then in the second match of the night we dropped a close one to Shepard 41-30. I will have details and box scores for you by tomorrow evening.

Remember we still have seven Hornets wrestling in the Individual Tournament on Saturday, once again at Alma High School. Come cheer them on!

2/19/01

Important Time Change

Wrestling will begin Wednesday at 5:00pm at Alma High School in the Team Regional.

We will wrestle Comstock Park in the first match and the winner will meet the Shepherd/Corunna victor. Please come and support your Hornets.

2/17/01

Hornets Advance Seven From Districts

In District action Williamston advanced seven wrestlers to the Individual Regionals next Saturday at Alma High School. Nick Simmons, Andy Simmons, and Casey Hulliberger were all gold medallists at today's District Championship, with Kevin Sharp and Mike Rice placing third, and Devin Young and Jeremy Bloom taking the fourth spot. In his second match today Nick scored his 200th consecutive career victory.

Be sure to join us back at Alma first on Wednesday when the team takes on Comstock Park in the Regional Semi-Finals. The winner of the will then advance to face the winner of the match between Shepherd and Corunna. Wrestling begins at 6:00pm. Then we are back in Alma again next Saturday to advance individuals to the State Tournament at Joe Louis Arena.

2/14/01

The St. Valentine's Day Massacre

The Hornets stunned the Raiders of Portland in their home gym tonight taking the 2001 Team District Championship. After giving up a forfeit at 103 pounds the boys in green never looked back and pulled off a 45-30 victory, quite a turn around from the 47-24 loss to the Raiders less than a week ago. The box score is available here. This paves the way for the Hornets to wrestle next Wednesday at the Team Regional at Alma High School at 6:00 PM. But before that the grapplers compete in the Individual District also at Alma High starting Saturday at 10:30 AM, join us and cheer Williamston on.

2/10/01

Hornets Crown Five Champions

The wrestlers from Williamston sent 5 grapplers to the top of the medal stand at the Ingham County League meet today at Haslett High School. Nick Simmons, Andy Simmons, Kevin Sharp, Casey Hulliberger, and Mike Rice took home the gold, with Nick becoming the first 4-time undefeated league champion. Other Hornet place winners were Jeremy Bloom in the silver medal spot, Devin Young finished third and Eric Fann was fourth. Overall the Hornets finished the day in third place behind Fowlerville and Portland. In the final standings Fowlerville and Portland tied for first, Haslett finished third and the Hornets were fourth. Details are available here.

Wednesday the Hornets wrestle at the District meet at Portland High School, the action begins at 6:00pm

2/8/01

Raiders Rout Hornets

The Red Raiders of Portland handed the Hornets a loss tonight at Portland. Williamston wrestled hard but are still plagued by injury and illness. Complete results are available here.

Look for the Hornets to rebound with a strong showing Saturday at the Ingham County League meet at Haslett High School, wrestling begins at 11:00 AM.

2/1/01

Vikings Pillage Victory

The Hornets dropped another close one to the Vikings of Haslett last night. The Lower weights wrestled tough but the upper weights got overpowered for a 36-31 defeat. Click here for complete results.

Tune in to ESPN Monday, February 5th, at 1:00 PM to Scholastic Sports America where the Simmons brothers will be featured.

1/25/01

Hornets Clawed by Panthers

A Williamston team depleted by everything from a concussion to strep throat dropped this weeks league meet to the Panthers of DeWitt. The box score is available here. The Hornets are off this weekend but plan on join them next Thursday (2/1/01) for their last home date of the season against the Vikings of Haslett.

1/20/01

Shepherd Captures The Classic

It's another one for the record books. Shepherd captured the crown at the 2001 Jim Mooney Williamston Classic today, followed by Mason, Durand, and Williamston. The Hornets crowned two champions in the brothers Simmons along with Mike Rice in the runner up slot and Devin Young, Kevin Sharp and Casey Hulliberger in third place. Complete results are available here. Nick Simmons was named outstanding wrestler in the lower weights where he became the first 4-time Williamston Classic champion and all of his victory's over the four years were by pin. Heavyweight Juan Castilla for Lansing Eastern was the outstanding wrestler at the upper weights.

The Hornets are back on the mat Thursday at DeWitt. Wrestling starts at 6:30pm.

1/13/01

Hornets Third at Grand Ledge

The Williamston grapplers went 3 and 1 at the eight team Grand Ledge Invitational Saturday. The Hornets dropped Pinckney 52-24 and Greenville 43-34 before losing to eventual champions Grand Haven 46-30 in pool action. Then in the consolation final Williamston rallied to beat Allegan 36-36 on a criteria tie-breaker for a third place finish. In his last match of the day Nick Simmons extended his winning streak to 188-0 and took over the national record for consecutive victories. Box scores are available here.

Watch for news of a possible dual meet this Thursday and don't forget the Jim Mooney Williamston Classic on Saturday. Wrestling Starts at 8:30 am.

1/11/01

Williamston Knocks The Wheels Off Of The Ramblers

The Hornet wrestlers nearly shut out the Ramblers of Perry tonight at home winning 13 of 14 matches and recording 11 falls. The final score was Williamston 74, Perry 6. Complete results are available here.

The Hornets are next in action Saturday at Grand Ledge. The action starts at 9:30 am instead of 10:00 am as listed on the schedule.

1/6/01

Hornets Bring Home Hardware From New Lothrop

The Williamston coaches split the squad for the weekend at New Lothrop and had success both Friday and Saturday. In J.V. action on Friday night 4 of 6 Williamston wrestlers made it to the medal stand. Brett Bailer and Dusty Stiffler both finished third, Derek Olsen was in the runner-up slot, and Joe Stubblefield brought home the gold.

In Saturday's Varsity Tournament a squad of 7 Hornets made it to the medal stand 6 times and finished the day in 3rd place overall. Mike Rice and Jeremy Bloom finished 5th, Kevin Sharp and Casey Hulliberger were both 2nd, and Andy and Nick Simmons were the Tournament Champions. This marked Nick's forth championship at New Lothrop and all of his victories there have been by pin. Click here for scores.

The Hornets are back on the mat Thursday, at home, facing the Ramblers of Perry.

1/4/01

Williamston Classic Time Change

The Starting time for the Jim Mooney Williamston Classic has been moved up to 8:30am. We will seed the tournament the night before and get started a little earlier with hopes to start the finals by 5:30pm. Remember the Hornets wrestle this Saturday at the New Lothrop Invitational, the matches start at 10:00am

12/29/00

Hornets Wrestle Hard at Goodrich

Five of the Williamston grapplers placed at the Goodrich Tournament of Champions today. Steve Dufrin took eighth, Kevin Sharp was Sixth, Casey Hulliberger finished in the number 4 slot, and Nick and Andy Simmons repeated as TOC Champions. Nick took over the national record for pins in a career today with 162 and together they extended their record for consecutive victories by brothers to 311-0! The results are here. We are next in action next Saturday at New Lothrop.

12/21/00

Hornets Pummel Panthers

The Williamston Wrestlers took it to the Panthers of Stockbridge tonight in a ICL match-up. The Hornets won 9 of 14 matches to ink a 51-25 victory. Complete results are available here. After a quick break for the holiday the wrestlers are back in the room on Tuesday to get ready to wrestle at the Goodrich Tournament of Champions next Friday, December 29th. Wrestling begins at 10am. Happy Holidays from the team and all of the staff here at Williamston Wrestling!

12/17/00

Williamston Wrestles Tough at Challenge

The Hornets made the long trip worthwhile with a good showing at the Marquette Challenge Saturday. Eight of thirteen Hornets made it to the medal stand during a great finals session that included giant video screens, smoke machines, and dancers. The brothers Simmons scored their three hundred and first consecutive victory when they earned a pair of championship medals. Patrick Aleksanyan and Casey Hulliberger both finished in the runner-up spot with Devin Young finishing third and Jeremy Bloom, Kevin Sharp, and Mike Rice all coming in fifth. Also scoring team points were Tim Grant at 152 and Dusty Stiffler at 171. It all added up to a strong fourth place finish for the Hornets at their first appearance in Marquette (where incidentally they have a lot less snow than we do!). Results are available here. The team next wrestles at Stockbridge on Thursday evening at 6:30.

12/14/00

Gladiators Nip Hornets

The Fowlerville Gladiators got the best of the Hornets in the upper weights to win the league opener tonight at Williamston. Williamston jumped out to an early 35-6 lead but were unable to hold on. The Glads downed the Hornets 36-35. Tomorrow the bus leaves early to head to the Marquette Challenge so I'll have the box score for you on Sunday along with results from Marquette.

12/9/00

Hornets Battle Back at Novi

Following a rough start to the day going 0 for 3 the Hornets battled back and won the final two matches of the day. After loses to Oxford 36-33, Novi 53-16, and Lake Orion 39-33, our grapplers defeated Flat Rock 45-31, and Plymouth Canton 46-26. Nick Simmons, Andy Simmons, and Kevin Sharp all went a perfect 5-0 on the day with Devin Young and Patrick Aleksanyan at 4-1 and Casey Hulliberger going 3-2. Nick Simmons also brought home the Hustle Award for the most pins in the least amount of time. Nick had 5 pins in 4:03 edging out brother Andy who had 5 pins in 8:08. For complete results click here. The Hornets open the home season Thursday against Fowlerville at 6:30pm and then Friday morning it's on the road to the Marquette Challenge on Saturday.

12/6/00

Williamston Splits at Corunna

The Hornets went one and one at the Corunna Quad tonight. Corunna, Burton-Bendle, Leslie, and Williamston met up at Corunna High School tonight. In the first round Corunna dispatched Bendle and the Hornets downed Leslie, 46-31. Then in the second round it was Leslie over Bendle and Corunna over Williamston in a 37-35 nail-biter. For complete Williamston results click here. The Hornets are next in action Saturday at Novi. Wrestling begins at 9:00.

12/2/00

Hornets Sixth at Duals

The Hornets had a mixed day at the second annual Michigan Duals, finishing 3-2 on the day for a sixth place finish. In pool action Williamston defeated Constantine 48-30 and Bay City Western while dropping one to Lowell 27-46. They then went on to defeat Grandville 38-30 in the consolation semi-final before losing to Tri-County 48-30 in the fifth place final. Click here for complete results. The Hornets are in action next on Wednesday, December 6, at Corunna High School, the match begins at 6:30.

11/29/00

Opening Weekend is Here!

The Williamston Wrestlers have been practicing hard and are ready to open the season, and the coaches having them opening in a big way. Saturday our Hornets square off against the best in the state in the second annual Michigan Duals at Bay City Western High School. The Duals match up the 16 best dual meet teams in the state from all divisions. It should be a great test of where we stand and how far we have to go. Wrestling begins bright and early at 8am. Hope to see you there!

11/25/00

Staudt On Sports

Tune in to "Staudt on Sports" at 11:00am Sunday, on channel 10 in Lansing.

Tim's guest list includes Nick and Andy Simmons for a live interview.

11/19/00

Hornets Meet the Challenge

Saturday while you were warm and having your coffee the grapplers from Williamston were once again meeting the Mackinac Challenge. After a practice with the Northmen of Petoskey High School and a night in Mackinaw City, the Hornets took a cold ferry ride and all 16 wrestlers along with coaches Tibai and Wegner and parent Brad Sharp successfully completed the 8.1 mile run around the island. For the second straight year, Kevin Sharp will wear the Mackinac Challenge Champions sweat shirt after finishing right behind his dad. Hopefully this special shared experience will make them a stronger team and help bring the State Title back home to Williamston.

11/13/00

Nick Simmons to be a Spartan

In a press conference held today, Nick Simmons, the #1 wrestling recruit in the nation announced that he is going to to wrestle for the Spartans of Michigan State University. After considering offers from across the country Nick said the final decision came down to Indiana University and Michigan State. While both offer an excellent program the Spartans have made a commitment to making it the place for Nick to become the best wrestler that he can be.

11/12/00

It's Time!

Cool Friday nights at the football game, the Tigers hovering near .500, leaves starting to turn, and you're starting to talk about wrestling season. At least I am, I'll talk wrestling with anyone who will listen. It's going to be an exciting season, two returning state champions, a runner-up, a host of returning lettermen, freshmen with great potential, and a new head coach. Check out the schedule so you can mark your calendars now and not miss a meet. The Williamston Wrestling Club will kick off the year September 19th with a meeting at 7:00pm at The Rooftop Landing, please attend and get the year off to a great start.

The News