Dake is just the third Cornellian to win two NCAA titles. The sophomore joins Big Red greats Travis Lee and David Auble. Lee won the NCAA title in 2003 and 2005 at 125 and 133 pounds, respectively. Auble was a two-time champ at 123 pounds in 1959 and 1960.
Dake took down Molinaro early in the first and rode him for the rest of the period to rack up 2:33 in riding time. Molinaro was awarded a point with a little under 40 seconds left on the clock for an illegal hold by Dake. Molinaro chose to start the second period down on the mat, a choice which proved to be a mistake after Dake added three back points. Molinaro was unable to escape Dake's clutches. Dake started the third period down and with eight seconds off the clock reversed his opponent. Dake was once again ferocious on top and racked up 6:17 in total riding time to win an 8-1 decision.
The point that the referee awarded Molinaro was the only point Dake gave up during the tournament. The Big Red sophomore won his first two matches of the championships by major decision, 8-0. In the quarterfinals, he defeated No. 5 Jamal Parks of Oklahoma, 3-0. Dake advanced to the finals with a 4-0 shutout of No. 8 Ganbayar Sanjaa of American.
Senior Mack Lewnes became a three-time All-American with a fourth place finish at 174 pounds. Fellow senior Mike Grey earned his second All-America honor after taking sixth at 133 pounds. Junior Cam Simaz is now a three-time All-American at 197 pounds with a third place finish. Sophomore Steve Bosak earned his first All-American status with a fourth place at 184 pounds.
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