"It's great when you get on top of the podium," Reader said. "This year I spent a lot of time with coach (Kevin) Jackson and the Paulsons (Trent and Travis). They sharpened my skills. You live a lifestyle in this sport, and I have two great training partners, members of World Teams. I look to coach Jackson, coach (Eric) Voelker and coach (Yero) Washington and these guys made the difference. I am blessed to have them in my corner.
Iowa State finished in 20th place with 31.5 points. Penn State won the NCAA team crown with 107.5 points. Jackson had high praise for Reader.
"Every day, this veteran was in our wrestling room showing our young guys what it takes as a man to win a national title," Jackson said. "He demonstrated to those guys how to train, study and act outside of the wrestling room. This is great for our program."
Reader slid past Amuchastegui and worked up off of a low single to get a takedown in the first period. He then sat back for a quick two count to take a 4-0 lead halfway through the first period. Reader then used the same sit back move for another two to take a commanding 6-0 lead. Amuchastegui earned a late escape to make it 6-1 heading into the second period.
Reader escaped halfway through the second period to push his lead to six points. Amuchastegui chose bottom to start the third and escaped after 15 seconds. Reader fended off an Amuchastegui takedown attempt and spun around for a takedown of his own to push the score to 9-2. Amuchastegui scored a late escape, but had no chance, as Reader’s riding time advantage made the final score 10-3.
The match was stopped several times because Reader had cuts on his face.
"I don't like to give guys breaks," Reader said. "I wanted to be in his face. Coach Jackson and coach Paulson kept me relaxed."
A native of Davison, Mich., Reader will be staying in Ames.
"I will be in the Cyclone Wrestling Club under the mentorship of coach Jackson," Reader said. "I will also be finishing my degree."
Fifty Iowa State wrestlers have won a total of 69 NCAA individual titles since the first NCAA Championship was held in Ames in 1928.
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