"Cal Poly is a good team, they came in with a good game plan," head coach Bobby Douglas said. "I am happy with our performance; it was good, but we obviously have work to do."
Backes, rated fifth at 184 pounds, began the second period from the defensive position against sixth-ranked Ryan Halsey. During a flurry which saw both wrestlers on their back, Backes was able to free himself from Halsey and score a reversal at the 1:22 mark. After the reversal, Halsey's back was exposed to the mat. Five seconds later Backes registered the pin, giving ISU a commanding 16-3 lead.
Backes' fall capped off four straight victories for the Cyclones. At 157 pounds, fourth-ranked Trent Paulson earned a 16-6 major decision over Ryan Williams. Travis Paulson (165) and David Bertolino (174) followed with 6-1 and 10-5 decisions, respectively. Jesse Sundell won by forfeit at 133 pounds. To close out the dual, ISU's second-ranked All-American Nate Gallick notched a major decision over Steve Esparza, 16-7.
The Cyclones will next be travelling to the 43rd Midlands Championships in Evanston, Ill., Dec. 29-30. Gallick will be defending his 2004 title at 141 pounds. Backes (184) and Travis Paulson (165) finished second in their respective weight classes last season, while Trent Paulson claimed a third-place finish at 157 pounds.
Wrestling action will return to Ames on Jan. 5, when Iowa State will play host to the Hokies of Virginia Tech at 7 p.m.
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