InterMat Staff

Wartburg puts its 13-year string of Iowa Conference team championships on the line Thursday, Feb. 16, at the 2006 IIAC Championships at Central College's H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. The conference tourney also serves as the NCAA Division III national meet qualifier for each school with 32 berths on the line. Individual champions and runner-ups at each weight, plus 12 wild cards, will represent the Iowa Conference at the 2006 national championships. Meet time is set for 10 a.m. with varsity and junior varsity slated throughout on the day. The grand march and championship finals are set for 6:30 and 7 p.m. in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Mediacom Cable will broadcast the finals on a tape-delayed basis on its Connections channel across the state of Iowa. The broadcast is set for Saturday, February 18, at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, February 19, at 11:30 a.m., and Monday, February 20, at 8:30 p.m. Subscribers should check their local listings for the Mediacom Connections channel in their area. Complete information on the 2006 IIAC Championships, including updated results and brackets throughout the competition, are and will be available at http://www.central.edu/athletics/wrestling/iowaconf.html. Fans can also tune in to live play-by-play through http://www.kwar.org/kwar.ram or going to http://www.kwayradio.com and clicking on the "Listen Live" button. Wartburg out-scored rival Luther 194-158 for the 2005 conference championship. Six Knights' individuals claimed conference titles as well. Knights news, notes: Head coach Jim Miller's team enters the tourney ranked No. 1 in the recent National Wrestling Coaches Association/Brute-Adidas Division III top 30, released Monday, Feb. 13. Wartburg brings seven ranked individuals into the championships as well with senior 125-pounder Tyler Hubbard of Blue Springs, Mo., senior 141-pounder Dustin Hinschberger of Belle Plaine, junior 197-pounder T.J. Miller of Cedar Falls and junior heavyweight Blake Gillis of Spencer each sitting at No. 1. The rest of the ranked Knights are sophomore 149-pounder Jacob Naig of Emmetsburg (No. 2), senior 174-pounder Scott Kauffman of Emmetsburg (No. 2) and senior 184-pounder Akeem Carter of Waterloo (No. 3). Carter, Gillis and Hinschberger each seek their third consecutive individual league titles Thursday. Carter won his first two at 197, while Gillis and Hinschberger each gained their first two crowns at their current weight classes. Kauffman and Hubbard are seeking two straight titles with their first championships coming at different weights, as Kauffman was the 184-pound champion and Hubbard won at 133 last winter. Naig looks to place in the top four for the second consecutive year. Wartburg has been out of competition since a 33-9 win at Buena Vista Feb. 7. The win over the Beavers moved the Knights' dual record to 27-0, tying the 2005-06 squad with the 2003-04 national championship team for the most dual wins in a season. In alumni news, former three-time All-American and two-time national champion Jamal Fox is slated for induction into the National Wrestling Coaches Association's Division III Hall of Fame during the weekend of the national championships at The College of New Jersey. Fox is the second of head coach Jim Miller's wrestlers to be inducted, joining former standout Tom Smith who went in during the 2003 national championships hosted by Loras College of Dubuque. "I hadn't really thought of myself being on the level of a Hall of Famer, but it is starting to set in," Fox, the program's all-time win leader with 166 victories, said. "I will always remember Wartburg wrestling as a place where you had every opportunity to excel, whether it came from the coaching staff or the guys going against you in practice. When you see success around you, it tends to rub off." Currently a doctor of optometry at Groat Eye Care Associates in Greensboro, N.C., Fox was a part of four consecutive Iowa Conference team champions and the 1996 national team champions. He earned back-to-back top two finishes at nationals, placing second in 1995 and winning the title in 1996. Fox also concluded his career with three individual conference titles.

EDINBORO, Pa. -- Several Pitt wrestlers have had success in open tournaments this season, and last weekend redshirt freshman Dave Kapetanovich was added to the list. Along with four of his teammates, Kapetanovich competed in the annual Edinboro Open where he finished fourth at 157 pounds. Kapetanovich (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills/CCAC) won a 3-0 decision over Edinboro's Ryan Uber in his first match and went on to claim his second match with a 7-3 decision over Maryland's Eric Grida. After a 10-3 loss to Central Michigan's Zack Strunk, Kapetanovich came back to win an 11-4 victory over Chris Meyers of Shippensburg. In the third-place bout, Kapetanovich faced Strunk again where he lost a 10-5 decision four fourth place. He finished 3-2 in the tournament to give him a season record of 7-12. Wrestling in the 141 pound weight class, redshirt freshman Joe Ciampoli (Altoona, Pa./Altoona) recorded a 2-2 record in the tournament. In is first match of the day, Ciampoli pinned Rob Tate of Gardner Webb at 1:17, before dropping a 2-0 decision to Central Michigan's Steve Brown. He then went on to defeat Edinboro's Joel Webster by a score of 7-3 in the first consolation match, but fell Bryan Heller of Penn State in his next match by a 6-3 decision. Ciampoli's pin was the first of his collegiate career. He now holds a career record of 20-14. Also wrestling for Pitt in the tournament were freshmen Brandon Skonieczky (Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel) and Brandon Smith (Columbia, Pa./Columbia), redshirt freshman Matt Darnell (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Cuyahoga Valley C.A.) and redshirt sophomore Tim Allen (Gibsonia, Pa./Pine-Richland). In the 125 weight class, Skonieczky recorded his first collegiate major decision, beating Paul Gerabeno 10-2 in his third match of the day. He finished 1-2 in the tournament. Allen also recorded a win by decision, wrestling at 165 pounds, against Jeremy Stole. Both Hunt and Darnell finished 0-2 in the tournament. The Panthers will close out their regular season on Friday, Feb. 17, at the Fitzgerald Field House against undefeated conference rival Edinboro. Pitt enters the match with a 4-8 overall record and a 2-3 showing in the EWL (Eastern Wrestling League), while Edinboro stands at 9-0 and 3-0 respectively.

By now most people know that Real Pro Wrestling has brought wrestling to the pro leagues. Having finished Season One, both the television show, the DVD, and video on the Web. We are also now planning Season Two, coming late fall 2006. That noted, many people still may not understand the larger goal of RPW. While we are taking one step at a time, it is important to have a clear final goal and divide this journey into feasible steps. This goal is what we call "final status." It is the vision of what wrestling could and should be. While RPW would like to be to wrestling what the NFL is to football, this comparison isn't a perfect fit. The NFL is mostly a domestic product and depends on expensive stadiums. Wrestling is an international product and needs smaller stadiums and venues, something that many cities already have. Wrestling is a true international product and the vision of wrestling's final status should reflect this. What we think is best, is for our pro league season to be divided into two parts, the domestic and the international. Ideally this domestic, or national season, would best be from February to April. During these three months, the teams would compete in weekly duals. The team national championships and individual national championships would then be in April. The second part of the season would start with the US team trials. This would then be followed by Team USA competing in duals with other national teams. This international portion of the wrestling calendar would then culminate with the World Cup for the team championships, and the World Championships for the individual championships. Of course, every four years the Olympics would take the place of the World Championships. This duality can be implemented by other countries too. RPW would be the North American League, possibly even including Canada and Cuba. There could also be a European League, a Middle Eastern League, and Russian League, a Chinese League, even a few Asian or Pacific Rim leagues. Since pro leagues are now becoming reality in many of these areas, this vision is not that unreasonable. The countries also already have national teams and the international season is not that different from what already exists. Of course the World and Olympic Championships too already exist. We'd like to see the World Cup developed more but this is not that difficult. This final status vision uses all the major existing events and organizations. Everybody wins. There would be a natural progression to build to the post season and wrestling would have the much needed organization and presence. By the time the Nationals and World Championships come around, fans would know the wrestlers. This is just a partial picture of the final status though. There is still more detail on rules, and styles, and the national picture from kid wrestling to college. These details will be explained in follow-up articles. RPW is a significant part of this bigger picture. Yes, we are a pro league for US wrestlers, but we are also showing the way both with good rules and good television production. We can help wrestling on all levels in these areas. Toby WillisLeadership is not a result of birthright or entitlement. It is a responsibility and destiny to be fulfilled by those who have the talent, opportunity, and courage. We are not looking to run the whole show, just head up the portions underdeveloped and do what we can to help bring wrestling to the promised land. Look for RPW to pursue official partnerships with other wrestling organizations in the future. Like our national founding fathers, who runs the show is not as important and the governing structure and the rule of law. We think the athletes need a significant voice in this government and power should be shared and limited. Our proposed structure will also be explored in a future article. Just like all wrestlers are optimistic that they can improve and win championships, so too should the world of wrestling be optimistic that we can achieve our final status goals. But it takes teamwork and strong leadership. And it takes dedicated fans. Everybody has a part to play. We are only as strong as our weakest link. For our sport's sake, just make sure that link is not you.

The sixth-ranked Augustana College wrestling team will be at home for its final dual of the season on Wednesday when the Vikings entertain top-ranked Nebraska-Omaha in a 7 p.m. dual in the Elmen Center. Augustana brings a 12-4 dual record into the North Central Conference matchup, while Nebraska-Omaha is 9-0. The Mavericks and Vikings finished first and second at the 2005 NCAA Division II National Championships.

Terry JacksonCLEVELAND -- Ohio University wrestler Terry Jackson, a 133-pound redshirt freshman from Uhrichsville, Ohio, has been named the Mid-American Conference Wrestler of the Week, the league office announced today. Jackson won both of this matches for the Bobcats last weekend, defeating West Virginia's Seth Lisa on Friday and Kent State's Drew Opfer on Sunday. His 4-2 decision over Lisa - a two-time NCAA qualifier - came in overtime and was crucial to Ohio's 18-16 victory over the Mountaineers, which gave Bobcat head coach Joel Greenlee his 100th career coaching win. On Sunday's, Jackson dominated Opfer, a senior for the Golden Flashes. The 7-0 shutout improved Jackson's record to 12-4 in duals and 3-1 in the MAC. Jackson has won six of his last seven matches, including two pins and one major decision. "Terry has really come a long way since the beginning of the season," said Greenlee. "Since becoming the starter, he's done just a great job for us. He's not a real flashy guy - he's basic in what he does - but he doesn't make mistakes and that is huge in wrestling." Jackson and the Bobcats (11-10, 1-3 MAC) finish out the regular season this Friday at Central Michigan (11-4, 3-0 MAC), currently ranked fifth in the nation with nine individually ranked wrestlers. Ohio will then compete at the MAC Championships in DeKalb, Ill., on March 3-4.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. -- Junior Derrick Morgan. (Milan, Pa./Athens) has been named LHU Bookstore Athlete of the Week for his efforts in the week ending Feb 12. This is the first honor for both Martin and the Lock Haven University wrestling team. Morgan came away from some tough competition with a pair of victories this week. First, he beat the University of Pittsburgh's Kyle Deliere, taking the third period 5-1 for a 9-2 victory. Morgan followed that up with his 20th victory of the season, a pin of West Virginia University's Chance Litton. Morgan turned his first takedown into the quickest Bald Eagle fall this season at 1:05. Morgan and the rest of the Bald Eagles are back in action Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. when they host Bloomsburg University The LHU Bookstore sponsors the Athlete of the Week to better promote Lock Haven student-athletes. The LHU Bookstore is available for all academic texts, LHU apparel and more. The Bookstore is located in the Parson's Union Building on the campus of Lock Haven University.

Team: 1. Arizona State 2. Cal Poly 3. Oregon State 4. Boise State 5. Stanford 6. Oregon 7. UC Davis 8. Cal State Bakersfield 9. Cal State Fullerton 10. Portland State Individual: 125 Pounds 1. Jeremy Mendoza (Arizona State) 2. Chad Mendes (Cal Poly) 3. Eric Stevenson (Oregon State) 4. Tanner Gardner (Stanford) 5. Ryan Dunn (Oregon) 6. Cory Fish (Boise State) 133 Pounds 1. Scott Jorgensen (Boise State) 2. Darrell Vasquez (Cal Poly) 3. Justin Pearch (Oregon) 4. Bobby Pfennings (Oregon State) 5. Omar Gaitan (UC Davis) 6. TJ Dillashaw (Cal State Fullerton) 141 Pounds 1. Kyle Larson (Oregon State) 2. Derek Moore (UC Davis) 3. David Roberts (Cal Poly) 4. Skyler Woods (Oregon) 5. Matt Schumm (Cal State Bakersfield) 6. Teddy Astorga (Cal State Fullerton) 149 Pounds 1. Anthony Baza (Cal State Bakersfield) 2. Josh Zupancic (Stanford ) 3. Jeff Owens (Cal Poly) 4. Pat Payne (Arizona State) 5. Tyler Sherfey (Boise State) 6. Morgan Atkinson (Cal State Fullerton) 157 Pounds 1. Brian Stith (Arizona State) 2. Ben Cherrington (Boise State) 3. Tony Hook (Oregon State) 4. Scott Loescher (Stanford) 5. Shawn Reilly (Cal State Fullerton) 6. Ryan Williams (Cal Poly) 165 Pounds 1. Ray Blake (Stanford) 2. Joey Bracamonte (Oregon) 3. Pat Pitsch (Arizona State) 3. Frank Richmond (UC Davis) 5. Brian Busby (Cal State Bakersfield) 6. Risto Marttinen (Cal State Fullerton) 174 Pounds 1. Jeremy Larson (Oregon State) 2. Ken Cook (UC Davis) 3. Christian Arellano (Cal State Bakersfield) 4. Ian Murphy (Cal State Fullerton) 5. Nick Hernandez (Cal Poly) 6. Luke Feist (Stanford) 184 Pounds 1. Shane Webster (Oregon) 2. CB Dollaway (Arizona State) 3. Ryan Halsey (Cal Poly) 4. Jesse Taylor (Cal State Fullerton) 5. KC Walsh (Boise State) 6. Tyler Bernacchi (UC Davis) 197 Pounds 1. Ryan Bader (Arizona State) 2. Matt Monteiro (Cal Poly) 3. Dan Pitsch (Oregon State) 4. Casey Phelps (Boise State) 5. Elliot Kelly (UC Davis) 6. Chris Chambers (Cal State Fullerton) Heavyweight 1. Cain Velasquez (Arizona State) 2. Ty Watterson (Oregon State) 3. Eric Parker (Cal State Bakersfield) 4. Andy Patrick (Boise State) 5. Jared Boyer (Stanford) 6. Arturo Basulto (Cal Poly)

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ -- Mike Patrovich of Hofstra University, and Joe Coughlin of George Mason University, have been named the Colonial Athletic Association Wrestlers of the Week, and Ryan Williams was named the CAA Rookie of the Week, for all competition February 7-13. Patrovich, a senior from Bohemia, NY (Islip), defeated the ninth ranked and 12th ranked wrestlers in the nation last week on Hofstra's road trip to the Sooner State. Currently ranked sixth in the nation at 174 pounds, Patrovich defeated Oklahoma State's Brandon Mason and defeated Oklahoma's Wes Roberts to improve to 25-3 overall, 16-2 in duals. Coughlin, a sophomore from Horsham, PA (Hatboro-Horsham), won both of his CAA duals last week, compiling a tech fall and a major decision. The fifth ranked 125 in the CAA, Coughlin won 20-1 over the fourth ranked 125 in the CAA from Old Dominion, and won a major decision against Campbell to improve to 8-1 in the CAA. Williams, a freshman from Cumberland, PA (Cumberland Valley), went 2-0 in CAA duals last week, including a pin. The fourth ranked 133 in the CAA, Williams defeated the fifth ranked wrestler in the conference from George Mason.

Bobby ShawGREENSBORO, N.C. -- After opening the Tar Heels' Feb. 11 win over NC State with a pin, North Carolina junior Bobby Shaw was named Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler of the Week, the league office announced Monday. In the first bout of the match between the two rivals, Shaw pinned NC State's Jeremy Hartrum in 6:25. The Newark, Del., native's victory gave the Tar Heels a 6-0 lead, one they would not relinquish. Shaw is now 19-15 on the season and tied for second on the team with seven pins. Carolina has now had four wrestler of the week honorees this season. Shaw joins Spencer Nadolsky and Vincent Ramirez, who is a two-time winner, as award winners. The Tar Heels close out the regular season at home against Old Dominion Sunday at 1 p.m.

Dave Schultz was one of the all-time greats. Not just because he was an NCAA champion or an Olympic gold medalist … but because of his genuine good nature and generous spirit. Ten years ago, Dave's life was taken in a senseless, bizarre murder that sounds straight out of a really awful movie. Only this was really awful real life. RevWrestling.com seeks to pay tribute to Dave Schultz with a series of articles that address various aspects of his life and legacy. In the previous chapter, we eulogized the late wrestler with comments from family and friends not long after his death. This installment features some of the lighter remembrances from friends, with specific stories that provide insights into Dave as a wrestler, a coach, a mentor… and a friend. When individuals are asked to remember a deceased friend, there tends to be two kinds of stories. Dave SchultzThere are those stories that seem to be straight out of a formal eulogy -- lovely words and lofty messages expressing respect and admiration that would strike a positive chord with anyone attending a very solemn funeral. Then there are the specific stories that might be a bit more appropriate for the wake or other relaxed after-the-funeral gathering of friends -- lighter, more fun, more personal, more specific to the storyteller. Welcome to the wake held in David L. Schultz' honor. ---- Let's start with those who knew Dave back in Palo Alto, California, his birthplace. As a youngster, Dave moved to Ashland, Oregon … but after his parents divorced, he returned to "Paly" to live with his father, Philip. It's in the hometown of Stanford University where Dave first made a mark on the wrestling world. Mark Christine, Dave's eighth-grade PE teacher at Jordan Junior High in Palo Alto, remembers roughhousing on the grass with Dave, when, suddenly, he couldn't move. "He had me pinned with his legs. I said to myself, 'What do we have here?' It looks like he had a natural flair for it." Coach Christine also recalls Dave's never-ending dedication to wrestling, saying that after Dave made the team at Palo Alto High School, he often returned to Jordan to work out in the practice room. The instructor also remembers that Dave would head over to Stanford to watch the team practice after finishing his high school workout. Mark Martel, a long-time Palo Alto friend who later coached with Dave at Stanford: "He was a pudgy, red-nosed kid. He didn't seem to have any muscles, but he had this amazing technique." Martel remembers that when Dave beat Mark's brother in a high school match, all his brother could say was how nice Dave was. "He was very friendly. He's done so many nice little things for people. He was very self-effacing, very humble. He made everybody feel like they were his friend." Doug Boyett, who graduated from high school with Schultz in 1977: "He told me (in ninth grade) that he wanted to move and live in Russia. He said he'd be put in a sports school so he could wrestle. That's what he wanted. Boyett recalled how Schultz used to carry a copy of The Illustrated Guide to Wrestling in his backpack. "He'd write in it after a match, or go ask (other wrestlers) about a move." John Kochelman, a teammate at Palo Alto High School: "The last time I saw Schultzy, we climbed to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge" two years before Dave's death. "He was very fun-loving. He liked adventure. We're going to miss his spirit and passion." Kochelman recalled that Schultz was always ready to wrestle, with his wrestling shoes on his feet, wearing a singlet under his regular school clothes, headgear tucked into in his backpack. "That was his entire life. He was Olympic material in high school. Right from the get-go he was a top-notch wrestler." ---- As Dave's wrestling career progressed, he tallied an impressive resume of championships and honors. But perhaps even more important, he developed strong, enduring friendships with some of the great wrestlers of the era. Jim Humphrey, former head coach at Indiana University and Team Foxcatcher, and now an assistant at Ohio State, first met Dave at a pre-Olympic training camp at Northern Illinois University. Among the wrestlers participating in the camp were members of the US Olympic team preparing for the Montreal Games that summer (Jim having been a member of the US world team in 1973 and 1974) … and a high school kid from Palo Alto named Dave Schultz. "He was phenomenal at an early age," recalls Jim. Jim also describes an incident from a second meeting with Dave, still in high school, at the Bakersfield Express camp in California. "I was coaching Larry Morgan -- Nathan's dad -- in his match against Dave. I told Larry to throw him, and he did, and Dave lost. He never let me forget that." Jim had considerable experience coaching Dave over the years – first, at the University of Oklahoma, then in freestyle competition. "Before an international event, I gave a pep talk to the guys, and Dave would say, 'I'm not sure I'll win.'" "He didn't look like an athlete, with his slumped shoulders, shuffling gait, and being pigeon-toed. He wasn't particularly fast. But he had a phenomenal attention to detail. For him, position was everything. "He was always picking everyone's brains, asking other guys he'd watch from the sidelines about specific moves. "Fans around the world admired his technique. They loved his attitude, and willingness to share technique. He kept in contact with folks all over the world." Jim Pearson, CEO of Suros Surgical Supply, first met Dave Schultz when Jim wrestled at Indiana University in the late 1980s. Jim's coach at IU, Jim Humphrey, brought his friend Dave to the Bloomington campus to conduct a clinic. After graduating from Indiana in 1990, Jim Pearson headed to Team Foxcatcher in Pennsylvania. "Dave and I were the same weight, so I was a training partner," recalls Jim. "It was a great way for a young guy like me to learn." Jim shares a specific example of how even someone as experienced and talented as Dave Schultz was always willing to learn: "During one practice, I shot in on him and got in on his leg. He asked, 'How did you do that?' I replied that it felt funny for him to ask. He said, 'How do you think I got to be as good as I am? I got this way because I don't resist the flow of information. In this case, I don't know something you know.' "This exchange taught me that you have the choice to use the information you're given." Jim Pearson offers up another valuable lesson about exchanging information… and the importance of listening: "We were training for him to get ready for Kenny Monday -- they had battled back and forth at the same weight class. Dave was getting tired, and asked to take a break. I kept pestering him. We went into position, he lunged forward so his forehead hit me hard in my nose, really bloodied it." "Dave said, 'I told you I didn't want to go. It's important to listen.'" Jim also recalls that Dave always had a little notebook tucked into the waistband of the back of his pants, and would take notes at various times. One last lesson that Jim Pearson continues to draw on in his life as head of an Indianapolis-based surgical supply company -- positioning is everything. "Wrestling is all about position. It's critically important to you know where you are – not just your body, but your mind as well." Bruce Baumgartner Four-time Olympic medalist Bruce Baumgartner and Dave share more than Olympic hardware and 'wrestling legend' status. They also have in common a bit of history that would seem to be straight out of Ripley's Believe It or Not: "Dave and I both got pinned in the 1981 NCAA finals, then won (the NCAA title) together in 1982." Four-time World medalist Melvin Douglas: "I met Dave in 1981 when I went to college. He showed me what it was going to be like in college and what the competition was like. He took care of me while I was in college and after I got out. "I saw that Dave's qualities were to help any wrestler, no matter what club you wrestled for. He was always kind and rarely got mad … He gave what he had all of the time." "I bought a scope in Russia and it didn't work over here. Two years later, Dave gave me a battery for it from Russia, so it could work. He was always thinking of someone else." John SmithOklahoma State head coach -- and two-time Olympic gold medalist -- John Smith: "There is really one that stands out. He took me under his wing in 1986 at the Goodwill Games. I was a young 20-year-old kid in my first international event. At weigh-ins I was intimidated. He said they were human and beatable. That really stands out. He helped in every aspect. At this event he was a player/coach for me. "He took time to spend with you to teach you techniques. He would not let you leave until you understood. This is very unique in wrestling, because most athletes hold his information. Dave Schultz was not this way. "His ability to get across a skill and technique was amazing. He showed me a skill in 1986 before we left for the Goodwill Games. That skill stuck with me until the last match I had in '92. It was on the leg lace attack. He made you listen and understand." Matt Demaray, four-time US Nationals champion: "I first came into contact with Dave when he was the assistant coach at Wisconsin. He recruited me and he was one of the main reasons I ended up at Wisconsin. We got along real well because we both enjoyed studying the sport of wrestling. "I was always a real inspiration for me and my wrestling career. I remember that he took time to help me work through an injury that I suffered right before the 1983 World Championships. "Dave was a real student of the sport. I remember on more than one occasion staying late after practice to work out new techniques with him that he wanted to perfect. "Opponents would even ask him to show them moves that he had just used to pin them." Long-time friend and teammate Ed Giese: "He really enjoyed himself while wrestling. He'd joke with the officials during a match winning or losing." Kurt Angle, 1996 Olympic gold medalist: "Dave was my coach," Kurt told Sports Illustrated. "I'm like a puppy. I'd do what he did." "He cared about everybody. It didn't depend on who you were or how good you were. Before I had success, he helped me…" "He was a very clever individual and picked up things quickly. One thing was that he knew all the different languages so he could speak to the athletes. He spoke Russian so he could learn their ways and be able to beat them. He knew five, six or seven different languages." Bill Scherr, 1988 Olympic gold medalist: "I'm proud to say that I was fortunate enough to count Dave as a friend and mentor. "Dave possessed many unique qualities that gave him the drive and the ability to become the United States' greatest technical wrestler ever. First, Dave was as competitive as any athlete I've ever met. He did not like to get beat. He was consumed with being the best, and believed that learning more and better technique was the key to reaching that goal. Second, Dave had a tremendous mind. While we were on the National Team together, Dave got into chess and soon had all of us playing. And I don't remember him losing. "Dave's desire and ability to learn skills were perhaps keyed by some quirks in his make-up. Although he was a great natural athlete, he was not one of the best of his generation … Also, Dave's mind seemed to work a bit differently than others. It was said that he was dyslexic and he may not have been the best at ‘book' knowledge. However, with spatial skills he was the best. He could immediately pick up techniques after seeing them demonstrated once. "Dave was very good at forming friendships and convincing his new friends to divulge their secrets. And he was persistent. He would learn the new skills and try them in practice. If they worked and fit his style, then he would incorporate them into his repertoire. If not, he would salt them away in his memory bank." ---- Dave Schultz was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma as a Distinguished Member in 1997. In its tribute to Dave at its website, the Hall says, "By his own admission, Schultz 'wasn't the greatest athlete in wrestling' but he was one of the most intelligent wrestlers in the history of the sport. Schultz once told one of his mentors, 'I cheated! I learned HOW to wrestle!' And thus he was a winner all of his life." In the last two paragraphs of its online tribute, the Hall describes Dave Schultz this way: "For all his achievements on the mat, Schultz is best known as wrestling's greatest friend and diplomat, across the nation and around the world. He always had time to talk, he always wore a smile. His sportsmanship transcended national boundaries…" "As a true champion on and off the mats, and the most-loved international ambassador for peace and friendship the wrestling world has ever known, David L. Schultz is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame." Chapter 5: The lasting legacies of Dave Schultz Did you know Dave Schultz? If you have stories to share, please email the author at mark@revwrestling.com Chapters: Chapter 1: The Day Wrestling Died Chapter 2: The Murderer, John du Pont Chapter 3: Immediate Memories of Dave Chapter 4: Smiling Back at a Life Remembered Chapter 5: A Spirit That Lives On

GREENSBORO, NC -- UNC Greensboro claimed four of the first five matches as the Spartans cruised to a 22-14 victory over VMI in Southern Conference wrestling action Wednesday evening on Senior Night at Fleming Gym. Mark Ring gave UNCG (10-4, 4-0 SoCon) the early 3-0 advantage as the Glassboro, NJ product earned a relatively easy 7-0 decision over VMI's (1-9-1, 0-4-1)Chris Hardy in the 165 lbs. weight class. Spartan junior Joe Lowe increased the UNCG to 7-0 when he claimed an 11-1 major decision over Dustin McCabe in the 174 lbs. weight class. In the 184 lbs. weight class, VMI junior Corry Murray registered the Keydet's first three points of the evening when he recorded a 7-3 decision over UNCG's Kane Smith. In the following match, Daren Burns squashed any thoughts of a VMI comeback as the Catawba, NC native gave the Spartans a 13-3 lead by pinning Kyle Elgert in 4:27 in the 197 lbs. weight class. Spartan senior and 16th-ranked (InterMat/MWCA/NWMA Division I Individual Rankings Poll) Tyler Shovlin ran his SoCon record to 4-0 and handed VMI junior Scott Buhman his first league loss as Shovlin claimed victory in the 285 lbs. weight class. The Harrisburg, PA native collected his 21st overall victory as he earned a hard fought 7-1 overtime decision to give the Spartans a 16-3 edge. Lam Ly picked up VMI's second victory of the evening when he collected a slim 3-0 decision over Justin Walp at 125 lbs. Sophomore Chris Bencivenga garnered UNCG's fifth victory of the evening when he defeated Brandon Stillo 9-4 in the 133 lbs. weight class to put the Spartans ahead 19-6. In the 141 lbs. weight class, 20th-ranked (InterMat/MWCA/NWMA Division I Individual Rankings Poll) Kevin Artis also earned his team-leading 21st victory of the year with a 4-1 decision over David Metzler. In the 149 lbs. weight class Sam Alvarenga made the score 22-10 in favor of UNCG when he earned a 13-4 major decision over Cody Harrington. In the final bout of the evening, VMI's Thomas Cunningham recorded a 10-2 major decision over Andrew Krieger to leave the Spartans 22-14 winners. UNCG returns to the mat Saturday when the Spartans travel to Chattanooga for a pair of bouts. The Spartans first take on the Mocs at 11:30 am before tangling with Missouri at 3:30 pm. UNCG 22, VMI 14 165 – Mark Ring (UNCG) def. Chris Hardy (VMI) by decision, 7-0 174 – Joe Lowe (UNCG) def. Dustin McCabe (VMI) by major decision, 11-1 184 – Corry Murray (VMI) def. Kane Smith (UNCG) by decision, 7-3 197 – Daren Burns (UNCG) def. Kyle Elgert (VMI) by fall, 4:27 285 – Tyler Shovlin (UNCG) def. Scott Buhman (VMI) by decision, 7-1 (OT) 125 – Lam Ly (VMI) def. Justin Walp (UNCG) by decision, 3-0 133 – Chris Bencivenga (UNCG) def. Brandon Stillo (VMI) by decision, 9-4 141 – Kevin Artis (UNCG) def. David Metzler (VMI) by decision, 4-1 149 – Sam Alvarenga (VMI) def. Cody Harrington (UNCG) by major decision, 13-4 157 – Thomas Cunningham (VMI) def. Andrew Krieger (UNCG) by major decision, 10-2

Remember that the first ever BORDER BRAWL is coming up on Friday March 10th at Dana College in Blair, NE. The BORDER BRAWL will feature the top seniors from both Nebraska and Iowa in an All Star Dual. This is shaping up to be one of the top All-Star Duals in this area! Tickets are available online at http://www.dana.edu/wrestling/brawl_reservations.html for $6.00. YOU MUST PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE, NOT RESERVE. IF YOU USE THE ONLINE METHOD, YOU MUST PAY FOR YOUR TICKETS IN ORDER TO GET THE $6.00 PRICE. Tickets sold at the door will be $8.00. Reminder: You cannot just reserve your tickets and online and pay at the door. You must purchase online! For all BORDER BRAWL information, go to http://www.dana.edu/wrestling/Border_Brawl.pdf

Dana College, the nations number one NAIA team, scored 162 team points and had eight of the ten individual team champions at the 2006 Great Plains Athletic Conference Wrestling Tournament on Saturday (Feb. 11) at the Christen Wellness Center on the Dakota Wesleyan University campus at Mitchell, S.D. It is the Vikings fourth straight league crown. Dana senior Blair Alderman was the 197 pound champion and was named the 2006 GPAC Outstanding Wrestler. Alderman pinned Andrew Lundgren from Northwestern to win the individual title Morningside scored 73 points and had one individual champion to finish as the runner-up. Northwestern had 51.50 points followed by Dakota Wesleyan with 42.5 and Briar Cliff with 20.5. Morningside's Jake Stevenson won 6-0 over Northwestern's Enock Francois to earn the 174 pound title and give the Mustangs their lone individual championship. Dakota Wesleyan had both wrestlers in the heavyweight championship. Lionel Riley defeated AJ Stensrud 6-1 to earn a berth to the national tournament. Andrew Leggot at 125 pounds, Cameron Nevins at 133 pounds and Spencer Novotny at 141 pounds all placed third for the Tigers. The 133 pound title went to Dana's Sonny Silva who had a 9-4 decision over Chris Ustech from Morningside. Terrence Almond defeated Jared Pickett 14-6 for the 141 pound championship. In the 165 pound division Trent Leichleiter scored a major decision (15-2) over Joe Keleher from Morningside. At 125, 149 and 157 pounds, Dana had both wrestlers in the finals and just declared wrestlers winner by default without wrestling the match. Willie Parks from Dana won by injury default over Joe Rodman from Briar Cliff at 184 pounds. Each team from the GPAC will be able to compete in the Central Regional Tournament next weekend (Feb. 18) in Sioux City, Iowa, at the Long Lines Family Center (old Sioux City Auditorium). Briar Cliff is the host for the Central Regional. The NAIA National Wrestling Tournament will be back in Sioux City at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena on Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4. 125-Craig Tramp/ Burke Barnes Champions 133-Sonny Silva Champion 141-Terrence Almond Champion 149-Jason Lozier/ Anthony Haukenberry Champions 165-Scott Taylor/ Ben Henderson Champions 174-no Dana wrestler 184-Willie Parks Champion 197-Blair Alderman Champion Hwt. Wade Jordan 3rd

Cedar Falls, Iowa -- Recording their third consecutive dual victory over a ranked opponent, the No. 10 Missouri wrestling team knocked off No. 25 Northern Iowa 26-10 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Monday night. Seven Tigers recorded wins against the Panthers to improve the wrestling team's record to 11-5 on the season. After the Panthers took the opening bout at 149 pounds, redshirt freshman Michael Chandler (High Ridge, Mo.) fought to a stalemate with No. 19 Chris Bitetto during the first period. Staying in control of his opponent through much of the second period, Chandler racked up 1:57 of riding time, which proved to be the difference in a 4-3 victory for the Tigers. The No. 15 competitor at 184 pounds, redshirt freshman Raymond Jordan (New Bern, N.C.) utilized his quickness to establish a 2-1 lead over Dan Dunning with a takedown in the first period. Escaping Dunning's hold early in the second period, the two grapplers traded points to give Jordan a 5-3 advantage heading into the final frame. Dunning escaped to begin the final frame, but a takedown, three-point nearfall and 2:35 of riding time gave Jordan an 11-5 decision. Coupled with a forfeit from Northern Iowa at 174 pounds, Jordan's decision gave Missouri a 12-6 lead in the team score halfway through the dual. Countering a takedown attempt by Andrew Anderson 1:40 into the 197-pound match, senior Jeff Foust (Blue Springs, Mo.) turned the advantage into an eight point lead with a pair of three-point nearfalls before the end of the first period. An escape and a takedown netted Foust three more points in the second, and the senior took down Anderson twice more in the third period to earn a 16-1 technical fall with 46 seconds left in the bout. Senior Austin DeVoe (Columbus, Kan.) scored the first points of the 125-pound bout just seven seconds into the match, establishing an early 2-1 lead against Seth Wright. A flurry of action in the next several minutes left DeVoe with 7-6 advantage four minutes into the bout, and an escape by DeVoe gave the Tigers senior an 8-6 lead heading into the final two-minute set. Trading points in a scramble at the end of a wild match, DeVoe, the No. 18 grappler at 125 pounds, was able to hold on for a 12-10 victory. Breaking a 0-0 tie after the first period, No. 17 sophomore Tyler McCormick (Leawood, Kan.) escaped Chris Helgeson's hold to gain a 1-0 advantage heading into the final frame. Closing out a tough match with his opponent, McCormick racked up 1:52 of riding time to get a 2-0 win for the Tigers at 133 pounds. Finishing the dual with a Missouri victory at 141 pounds, senior Chris McCormick (Leawood, Kan.) opened a 4-1 lead after the first period with a pair of takedowns. McCormick pressed the action with a series of offensive moves in the second, stretching the lead to four with another takedown, then finishing the bout with a 7-3 decision. "It's always a hard-fought match when we wrestle a team from the state of Iowa, and I'm pleased to finish the trip with a pair of victories," Head Coach Brian Smith said. "We won both matches, but there's still a lot that we need to work on before the team is ready to compete at the NCAA Championships." The Tigers will finish their regular-season schedule next weekend, traveling to Chattanooga, Tenn., to square off against UTC and UNC-Greensboro. The first dual begins at 1:30 p.m. CST against UTC. Results 149 – Ryan Osgood (UNI) dec. Marcus Hoehn (MU): 3-2 157 – Michael Chandler (MU) dec. #19 Chris Bitetto (UNI): 4-3 165 - #6 Nick Baima (UNI) dec. #5 Matt Pell: 9-5 174 - #1 Ben Askren (MU) wins by forfeit 184 - #15 Raymond Jordan (MU) dec. Dan Dunning (UNI): 11-5 197 - #15 Jeff Foust (MU) won by tech. fall over Andrew Anderson (UNI): 16-1, 6:14 HWT –Tyler Rhodes (UNI) maj. dec. Sean Connole (MU): 16-5 125 – #18 Austin DeVoe (MU) dec. Seth Wright (UNI): 12-10 133 - #17 Tyler McCormick (MU) dec. Chris Helgeson (UNI): 2-0 141 – Chris McCormick (MU) dec. #20 C.J. Ettelson (UNI): 7-3 Updated Records 125 – Austin DeVoe: 27-12 (70-43) 133 – Tyler McCormick: 23-6 (43-20) 141 – Chris McCormick: 27-9 (78-51) 149 – Marcus Hoehn: 8-9 (8-9) 157 – Michael Chandler: 14-12 (14-12) 165 – Matt Pell: 27-3 (93-25) 174 – Ben Askren: 36-0 (102-8) 184 – Raymond Jordan: 29-9 (29-9) 197 – Jeff Foust: 12-5 (82-34) HWT – Sean Connole 18-21 (18-21)

In this weeks installment, Real Pro Wrestling makes history again debuting it's first quarterfinal match from Season One to wrestling fans around the world for free on iTunes. The match features a war between the 184 lbs. monster, Brandon Eggum (Minnesota Freeze) and the mat savvy technical skills of Aaron Simpson (Texas Shooters). Don't be fooled Eggum's smile. Once on the mat, he is known for his unparalleled strength and physical style of grappling. In addition to being a World silver medalist and born and raised in Big Sky Country Montana, Eggum boasts a catalog of nick names such as Egg-man, One Punch, and White-water Rattlesnake. Simpson, a technical and highly athletic force, is from diamondback country (AZ) and known to talk a little trash now and then. But he can usually back it up. We hope you enjoy this installment of RPW's 184 lbs. Season One quarter final debut! Click Here to Watch

On the campus of Portland State University, a number of student-athletes have part-time jobs. Some may work at local restaurants, perhaps the PSU bookstore or the Blockbuster a few blocks down Market Street. Junior 197-pound wrestler Patrick Unger works as a minister. On February of 2005, Unger was attending a Sunday service for high school students and young adults at Living Hope Fellowship Church in Beaverton, when Pastor Jess Strickland walked up and asked him to head a junior high congregation. Unger had known the pastor and his family for his whole life. Jared Strickland, the pastor's son wrestled and played basketball with Unger at Hillsboro High School. To have someone so deep within his inner circle ask such an overwhelming question made Unger think. "I was taken back at first," Unger said. "But then I prayed and talked with my parents about it. I said I would give it a shot and pretty much I've been running with it ever since." Unger officially started working with the children in May of last year and completely took over as junior high pastor on June 1. "It's all been sort of a whirl wind experience because I never thought I'd do anything related to leading a congregation," said Unger. Upon graduating from high school, Unger admits he was a rowdy, party going youth. He had been taught from the Bible but it wasn't something he really built his life around. Unlike some other pastors, he never attended seminary or a Bible College. Unger feels he became prepared for the task of leading others religiously through three key experiences in his life. First, it took some discussion with his high school girlfriend, who was an atheist at the time, to start his change. Unger's girlfriend raised questions and intense discussions mingled among the couples interactions. "Having to defend my faith was one of the biggest motivations for me to actually believe in it," Unger said. "She eventually accepted Christianity. I thought, wow, I had changed the course of someone's life." Then during the summer of 2003, Unger had been diagnosed with pinched nerves in both his neck and back. The pain caused him to lie in his bed for hours a day. Due to the pain of simply sitting, he had to resort to taking classes from Clackamas Community College via the internet. During this time of consistent sadness, Unger delved into the Bible for comfort and learned the value of humility. "Growing up I had an easy life," Unger said. "Nothing came too difficult, but after I graduated from high school, I had a lot of humility put into me." During his senior year in high school, Unger lost only three matches on way to a third-place finish at the 2002 OSAA High School Wrestling Championships and had been offered athletic scholarships at Oregon and Cal Poly. He had turned it all down in order to spend more time with his girlfriend. Almost a year after the pain began, Unger went to see a sports and spine therapist who suggested the very reason he was in pain was due to his lack of athletic activity. Unger had not been active in athletics since the finish of the 2001-02 high school wrestling season. He began weight lifting on a regular basis to stretch out his back. Patrick UngerA few months later, Unger began coaching junior high and elementary-aged wrestlers. It was through his interaction with the children that he came in contact with Portland State assistant coach Charlie Lucas. Lucas suggested Unger come back and wrestle for the Vikings. Unger followed Lucas' suggestion. The junior from Cornelius, Ore., has remained humble in the wake of his transition to wrestling in the tough Pac-10 conference. "Where I left off I was more successful," Unger said. "But I'm still having fun with it. The high point of the season has been just being able to wrestle. " Lastly, Unger and his girlfriend went their separate ways during the winter of 2004 but with his newly strengthened faith he was able to make it through. Through his three experiences, Unger has built his foundation of belief. "I have the hunger because I went through the hurt," Unger said. But it is through athletics that he focuses his teaching examples. In his sermons, Unger relates athletics to, among other things, the hardships of life, while always stressing to take peace and humility with every competitive situation your life may encounter. He hopes his message touches the children he leads. "With competition comes conflict, and emotions are stirred," Unger said. "I use what I've gone through in my personal and athletic life as an advantage to help the kids with becoming better losers and winners." "One of our biggest ministries is with the neighborhood kids around the building itself. They don't have a lot to do because they come home and their parents are working. Giving them a positive environment is one of our biggest focuses. We want to get those kids out of the cycle." Personally, Unger also benefits from his interaction with "his children". "I feel like I need to be in a good place as far as my relationship with the Lord because I'm leading 70-80 kids," Unger said. "It gives me more motivation and responsibility than I've had in the past." Although a college student, Unger sustains from any activity, which he believes could affect how others will look upon the church he represents. "I don't want things in my life to cause others to stumble," Unger said. "Even if I don't think drinking is wrong, if my drinking justifies it to someone else who has a drinking problem, and they slip back into alcoholism, then I can't be drinking." Along with the responsibility, Unger feels this to be the happiest time in his life. He's learned to build on his roots and cherish humility, while stretching out and lending a helping hand. He's back wrestling, almost 180 degrees from where he once was.

FINAL HOME MATCH OF 2005-06: The St. Cloud State wrestling team (0-6, 0-2 NCC) will complete their 2005-06 home schedule with a 7 p.m. match on Thursday, Feb. 16 in Halenbeck Hall against Southwest Minnesota State University. Admission is free to all spectators for this exciting NCAA wrestling match at Halenbeck Hall. 2005-06 RESULTS: SCSU is 0-6 in dual meet competition this season, and the Huskies are 0-2 in NCC action. Last year, SCSU was 0-7 overall and 0-5 in the North Central Conference dual meet season. The Huskies placed sixth at the 2005 NCAA Division II North Regional, and also placed 30th at the 2005 NCAA Division II championships. SCSU COACH STEVE GRIMIT: ANOTHER VICTORY FOR MOORE: Jason Moore continued his impressive run in 2005-06 for the Huskies with a 12-5 win over Dan Grayson of Upper Iowa on Feb. 10. As a team, the Huskies suffered a 48-3 setback against the Peacocks in the dual meet. At 165 pounds, Tom Anderson showed well in a tough 6-3 loss to Brady Hakeman of UIU. PROBABLE LINE-UP FOR SCSU (0-6) vs. Southwest Minnesota State MATCH: 125 - Nick Wasche (8-16) 133 - Brent Johnson (3-16) 141 - Shad Tappe (0-5) 149 - Tom Messerli (3-15) 157 - Shane Tappe (11-11) 165 - Nate Schut (7-11) or Tom Anderson (2-9) 174 - Jason Moore (9-2) 184 - Neil Russell (2-5) 197 - Jario Sandoval (6-16) HWT - Brad Nowak (0-7) HUSKY BITES: SCSU senior Nate Schut placed fourth at the SCSU Invitational with a 2-1 record. He had to default in the match for third place at 165-pounds. Jairo Sandoval placed fifth at 174, as he tallied a default win over Cody Pahan of Ridgewater in the fifth place match...Tom Messerli was fifth at 133-pounds thanks to a solid 5-0 win over Northern State's Mark Burkhart in the fifth place match...Jason Moore has joined the squad for the second half of the season after transfering from St. Olaf. He has made a quick impact on the squad with a 9-2 record ...Nick Wasche placed second at 125-pounds at this year's North Country Open at SJU...Shad Tappe and Shane Tappe are brothers from Detroit Lakes, Minn.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The 19th-ranked wrestling team will host an alumni reunion during Saturday night's match with rival Army. The Mids and Black Knights will meet for the 50th time this Saturday, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in Alumni Hall in Annapolis. The alumni gathering will begin at 4:45 p.m., with a buffet meal in the Bo Coppedge Room in Alumni Hall, then following the meet, there will be a reception, running until 11:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Wayne Hicks at 410-224-1101 or email him at wayne.win@verizon.net(.) The past Navy Wrestling Reunions in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004 have been huge successes. Each reunion was attended by over 250 people, including former wrestlers, family, friends, fans, and even Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, in 2002. Saturday night's match will also be the final home action for 15 Navy seniors. During its four years at Navy, the senior class has posted a record of 47-15 (.758 winning percentage), won three All-Academy Championships, two Navy Classics and will go for its fourth win over Army in as many tries. Lastly, Saturday's match will be televised nationally by CSTV, on a tape-delayed basis. The first airing will be Sunday night at 10:00 p.m., EST. Jason Knapp and Ken Chertow will provide all the commentary. The Mids lead the all-time series with Army, 39-5-5, including having won five matches in a row. In the last 43 matches between the two teams, Navy owns a 37-1-5 all-time record, with the lone loss coming in the 1996-97 season. For ticket information, please contact the Naval Academy Athletic Association ticket office at 1-800-US4-NAVY. Fans wishing to attend the event may either walk onto the Yard with a proper ID, or park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, for a $5 charge, and ride a shuttle bus to Alumni Hall. Come on out and support the Midshipmen in their final home wrestling action of the season.

This interview was published with permission of OhioWrestlingSite.com, the premier source for Ohio wrestling information. Once in a generation a star emerges that transcends the sport of wrestling in Ohio. Fans from the 1960's will swear to you that the unbeaten Tom Milkovich was the best high school wrestler of all time. Those of us who remember the 1980's will insist that Alan Fried was beyond comparison. For the first decade of this century, there was one wrestler who stood out from the rest, the incomparable Dustin Schlatter. OhioWrestlingSite.com spoke with Schlatter about the big matches he's won, his rare disappointments, and where he's going in the future. Starting with National Duals, you have been on a tear, beating four All-Americans and the defending NCAA champ (now twice). One year ago, you were wrestling high school kids. Did you believe you would be able to step in and beat pretty much everyone, or has it been a surprise? Schlatter: I really can't say it has been a surprise, maybe it has been more of a surprise for the rest of the country … at times I had my doubts, but for the most part I definitely thought I could do it, and so far it has worked out for me. Dustin SchlatterDid experiences you had wrestling college wrestlers in high school give you confidence? Schlatter: Yeah, you know when I was a sophomore in high school, I went to the Slippery Rock Open. When I was a junior, I went to the West Virginia Open (Editor's Note: Schlatter won both of these collegiate opens while still in high school). I think those experiences really opened my eyes to college wrestling, in college every opponent is physical and strong, they're all tough to move, but I think those experiences helped me know what to expect, plus working out with college guys when they came home helped. Yes, as I recall at the West Virginia Open your junior year you beat Michael Keefe (an NCAA All-American in 2005) and Frank Edgar (top 12 in the NCAA's) -- did that help you believe you could step in and compete? Schlatter: Yeah, that and a lot of guys I beat in high school were doing a great job at 141 -- though I really hadn't wrestled anyone at 149. Is it a tough cut for you to 149? Schlatter: Actually, it's not at all, which I think works out for me. In the summer, working out at Minnesota, I ran almost every day, so my weight stayed down. Right now, I'm only a couple pounds over every day, so I don't have to worry about my weight until the day before. It's nice because I can go to practice and think about wrestling not weight. In the Minnesota wrestling room, you have former NCAA champs Jared Lawrence and Luke Becker, do they set an example for you? And how often do you get to wrestle with them? Schlatter: I get to wrestle with them almost every day, as well as Chad Erikson (two-time NCAA All-American) -- it's really good to work out with all those guys, I think that was one of the biggest things about Minnesota, the training situation … you couldn't ask for a better one. I'd like to talk about your coaching influences. Growing up, who would you say has had the biggest impact on your success? Schlatter: I would say my dad. He has been there every step of the way, always wanting to learn and get involved with everything me and C.P. were doing. I've been lucky to have a variety of other good coaches, like Ken Chertow, Jeff Jordan, and Brian Dolph, so I've been able to get a "taste" of a lot of different styles. It's worked out well. Dustin, so far you have won four Ohio state titles, six national titles in Fargo (in six attempts), and Senior Nationals over Brent Metcalf -- in addition to your big wins of this season. Is there a match or accomplishment that stands out as your career highlight? Schlatter: I think there are a couple, first, winning state my freshman year, just stepping into the Schottenstein Arena was really something, then my fourth state title, it's hard to have a better feeling than that. Then, I think my win against Esposito … I don't know if it was so much my win as the overall team win (Editors Note: Minnesota upset Oklahoma State for the National Dual championship). Now, I'm sure that everyone wants to know about your matches with Brent Metcalf. Many observers felt that this was the biggest high school match of all-time … with you and Metcalf being two of the most accomplished high school wrestlers ever. What was going through your head going into the Metcalf matches, knowing that he had technical falled great Ohio wrestlers like Ryan Lang and Jason Johnstone in freestyle? Schlatter: One thing I always try to do in a big match, I try not to get hung up on what my opponents has done, or think about their accomplishments. I think about my stuff and what I'm going to do to them. Did your strategy change at all for the second match? Schlatter: Yeah, there were a few things, the first match I felt like I just didn't train hard enough and was not in the shape I needed to be in. I focused a lot more on my conditioning for the second match. Also, I focused a lot more on my mat wrestling … in the second match I rode him out for the entire first period which ended up being the difference. Would you say that Metcalf's wrestling style in any way presented difficulties for you? Schlatter: I would say that in the first match it did. He's a great brawler, he gets you tired, and like I said -- my shape just wasn't there. He's also a great scrambler. Dustin, after your freshman year of high school, many people thought you would be the first undefeated four-time state champion, but you lost to Jason Johnstone your sophomore year at the Ironman. You had beaten Johnstone many times before, what do you think went wrong that day? Schlatter: Man I don't know … Johnstone obviously was a teammate of mine the next year and is a friend and a great wrestler … but I look back, my sophomore year the entire year until state I just wasn't myself. I think the pressure of maintaining my record got to me somewhat. When I lost it really took a lot of pressure off my shoulders, like "OK, now I can just go wrestle." So, maybe you were wrestling "not to lose?" Schlatter: Yeah, exactly. Junior Nationals after your sophomore year was really a breakthrough for you. At the time you wrestled Alex Tsirtsis, he was considered almost a god of high school wrestling. Few gave you a chance, yet you dominated him. Did you perhaps surprise even yourself? Schlatter: I think that situation was a lot like what I have been doing this year … I try not to think about how great my opponents accomplishment are, but just think about what I am going to do. You know, I just trained real hard for the entire tournament, and with having to beat Tsirtsis, Dan Friskhorn, and Ryan Lang, I just had to take it one match at a time. I'd like to ask about the Ryan Lang match. It was an all-Ohio final, Lang, of course, was a four-time state champ and you were halfway to becoming a four-time state champ. What can you tell us about that match? Schlatter: It was kind of something, I think we both knew throughout that summer that it could end up being us in the finals. You know, we were on the Junior Duals team together and trained together throughout that summer. With Lang, he is so great at creating scrambles, you need to think about staying real solid at all times or you will end up on your back. This winter at the Southern Scuffle you defeated Jeff Jaggers, 1-0. Ohio fans are used to lots of action and big points from both of you. What do you think was the cause of such a conservative match? Schlatter: Well, I think that a couple of things, we've been seeing each other wrestle for so many years, but have never really wrestled -- even in youth wrestling or much in practice. I knew that he was a really good at getting in and out of sticky situations, and finding back-points, just a great scrambler. So I think I may have held back a little bit -- there is not much to say I guess, it was just a boring match. Well, I'm sure you guys will have plenty more matches. Schlatter: Yeah. Is there any possibility that we might see you at U.S. Nationals this summer, or are you going to be focusing purely on folkstyle for now? Schlatter: I don't know. I've really been so focused on NCAA's that I haven't thought about it … there's a chance. I definitely do not want to just completely eliminate freestyle and greco while I'm in college. I see C.P. still has a huge wrap on his knee, does the knee still bother him? Schlatter: It does every now and then but overall, it's a lot better. He doesn't have any major problems with it, it's coming along OK. Minnesota has been somewhat of a surprise this season, winning National Duals. How do you think the team looks down the homestretch? Is a national title a realistic possibility? Schlatter: I think it is. Some might say that on paper Oklahoma State is a better tournament team, but I'm really confident in how hard we've been training and feel that when March comes, that's when we are going to peak. We've been feeding off each other's success. I think we have a really good chance of beating them and winning the national title. Can you share any insights into why Matt Koz left the program? Schlatter: I honestly don't know for sure. It came as a total shock. When my brother told me that Matt left, it came as a complete surprise to me. I really don't know why- but I'm sure he'll do well at Chattanooga. How much of an impact to both you and C.P.'s success has it been to be back on the same team for the first time in two years? Schlatter: It's been tremendous. From the wrestling aspect of it, getting to train together to the other aspects -- he's my best friend. We motivate each other and really feed off each other, so it's been great to be back on the same team. Growing up, you were always a lot lighter than CP, now you're about the same size, what's that like, being able to go head to head with your older brother consistently for the first time? Schlatter: Yeah, you know even when C.P. was a senior, I was 125 and he was 152, so we couldn't really wrestle against each other that much. Now that we are a weight class apart, it's a lot better, we're drill partners, wrestling live… Is it hard to go against your big brother … would you say there is somewhat of a "big-brother syndrome" when you go up against each other? Schlatter: I think there is. I'm not sure what it is, he's tough, he's just so strong, it's hard for me to wrestle him. He's my toughest match in the room. Dustin SchlatterHaving wrestled Esposito once before, have you picked up anything that you will use for the second match? Schlatter: A couple of small things. In the first match, he got those two reversals … I've been working on my riding and would like to ride him harder (Editor's note: this interview was conducted shortly before the match, but Schlatter actually scored two three point near-falls and riding time so apparently the work paid off!). Second, finishing my takedowns. In the second period I shot in and he countered me with sort of a "rubber-knee" type move for a stalemate. As a four-time state champion, what advice do you have for current Ohio wrestlers as they head to the tournaments? Schlatter: I would say, when you go to the state tournament, don't worry about who you've got, worry about your match and what you're going to do to him, don't overlook anyone -- take it one match at a time. Other than that, leave it all out on the mat, you don't want to look back and have any regrets! Dustin, thanks for taking the time to talk to us, and good luck this weekend and for the rest of the season! Schlatter: Thanks!

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The West Virginia University wrestling team used two early pins to its advantage to defeat Lock Haven, 25-16, on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the WVU Coliseum. The Mountaineers' (5-5, 4-0 EWL) win over the Bald Eagles (5-12, 1-3 EWL) extends the team's home dual meet unbeaten streak to 17. Seniors Matt Lebe (157), Seth Lisa (133), Eric Mullen (165) and Teddy Adams (149) will end their careers having never lost an EWL dual meet at the WVU Coliseum. After a loss at the 125-pound class West Virginia responded with a pair of falls by Lisa and 141-pounder Brandon Rader. Leading 3-2 in the first period, Lisa recorded his pin over Casey Moore at the 2:05 mark. Rader pinned Brian Ellis just 40 seconds into his bout. "Those two early pins really gave us a lot of momentum for the rest of the match," said head coach Craig Turnbull. Lock Haven won the 149-pound bout, closing the deficit to 12-7 and setting the marquee match of the afternoon between No. 2 Matt Lebe and No. 17 Seth Martin. Lebe suffered an early scare in the first period when he was taken down and nearly pinned. However, the Jeannette, Pa., native was able to roll out of Martin's hold and escape with only three points given up for the near fall. Trailing 7-5 after the first period, Lebe recorded a pair of takedowns to Martin's two escapes. In the third period, Lebe chose the bottom at the start of the period and escaped to earn a hard fought 10-9 victory. Lebe was followed by freshman 165-pounder Larry Hall who was able to win a 4-0 decision over Jacob Lauffenburger. Fellow freshman Kurt Brenner then won a 5-3 decision over Carlos Ponce in the 174-pound bout. Lock Haven scored a pin in the 184-pound match, but sophomore Jared Villers answered with a 12-3 major decision over Tom Kocher to seal the victory. The Mountaineer win evened the all-time series between the two schools at 14-14. West Virginia hits the road next weekend for its final two dual meets of the season. WVU starts the weekend off on Friday, Feb. 18, against co-EWL leader Edinboro at 7:30 p.m. before facing Cleveland State on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. Match Results (W, 25-16) 125: Obe Blanc (LHU) MAJOR Scott Stuart (WVU), 15-2 133: Seth Lisa (WVU) FALL Casey Moore (LHU), 2:05 141: Brandon Rader (WVU) FALL Brian Ellis (LHU), 0:40 149: Joshua Medina (LHU) DEC Teddy Adams (WVU), 10-4 157: Matt Lebe (WVU) DEC Seth Martin (LHU), 10-9 165: Larry Hall (WVU) DEC Jacob Lauffenburger (LHU), 4-0 174: Kurt Brenner (WVU) DEC Carlos Ponce (LHU), 5-3 184: Derrick Morgan (LHU) FALL Chance Litton (WVU), 1:01 197: Jared Villers (WVU) MAJOR Tom Kocher (LHU), 12-3 HWT: Tim Meyers (LHU) DEC Matt Holsopple (WVU), 10-5 Official: John Nath Attendance: 461

DeKalb, IL -- No. 11 ranked senior Josh Wooton (Urbana, OH / Graham) did not disappoint Northern Illinois University wrestling fans on Senior Day, Sunday (Feb. 12). The 141-pound Wooton, who was honored along with 165-pounder Alex Nelson (Portage, WI / Turner) and Manager Kari Wisowaty in a pre-meet ceremony, earned his 101st career victory when he pinned North Dakota State University's David Cunningham in 2:49. The pin gave NIU a 15-9 lead after the Huskies fell behind early when the visiting Bison won the first two matches to take a 9-0 lead. Northern Illinois rattled off eight consecutive match victories en route to a 27-9 thrashing of the Bison for the Huskies seventh victory of the season. "It was nice for Wooton to go out with a pin during his last home dual meet," said NIU mat boss Dave Grant. "He has been a guy we can count on for four years and this is nice for him. Overall I thought a lot of guys hustled and wrestled hard." The Bison opened up an early lead when NDSU's Matt Wetterling pinned Derick Lalowski at 2:08 in the 184-pound match up. The Huskies fell further in the hole when Derek Hunsinger (El Paso) dropped a close fought 3-2 decision to Jacob Bryce. Northern Illinois trailed 9-0 when No. 20 ranked Joe Sapp (Mahomet / Mahomet-Seymour) earned an overtime decision in the heavyweight match. Tied at 4-4 at the end of regulation Sapp earned an escape and a takedown on the way to a 7-5 victory that put the Huskies on the board for the first time in the afternoon. No. 12 ranked Pat Castillo (Western Springs / LaGrange Lyons Twp.) earned NIU's second victory of the afternoon picking a 6-5 decision in the 125-pound bout. Castillo held a one point lead late in the third when Mike Meger escaped to tie the match. Castillo was able to accumulate 1:16 of riding time and cut the Bison lead to 9-6. In his second match back from injury Chad Vandiver (Roscoe / Harlem) held on for a 7-5 decision over Eric Sanders in the 133-pound match to tie the dual at 9-9 heading into intermission. After the intermission Wooton came out on fire and held an 11-3 lead when he pinned Cunningham to give the Huskies a 15-9 advantage over the Bison. "I wanted to take the guy down some more times, but Coach wanted the pin," said Wooton. "I had a couple of tough duals the last few weeks so it feels good to keep my win streak alive (six)." Junior No. 12 ranked Mike Grimes (Villa Park / Lombard Montini) continued the Huskies inspired second half performance earning a 10-3 decision and narrowly missing a major decision after surrendering a point for stalling in the closing minute of the 149-pound bout. "Coming off of Central Michigan (Feb. 10) we wanted to go out and get these guys," added Grimes. "(Wooton and I) are the team leaders and we have a lot of confidence right now. When the team is flat and we need to show them by our actions. We need to pick the guys and lead by example when the guys are dragging." NIU continued to roll when 157-pounder Aaron Owen (Carlsbad, NM) earned his first dual meet victory of the season defeating Andrew Quittschreiber 8-2. Owen finally broke out of his funk and pushed the NIU lead to 21-9. 165-pounder Johnny Galloway (Iowa City, IA) scored a late takedown in the third period to give him a 5-1 lead over Zach Molitor. Galloway held on for the 6-2 decision and secured the Northern Illinois victory. In the afternoon's final match 174-pounder Danny Burk (Peoria / Notre Dame) earned the final victory of the day for Northern Illinois picking up a 7-3 decision as the Huskies won 27-9. The No. 24 ranked Huskies hit the mats for the final MAC dual meet of the year Thursday Feb. 16, when they travel to Ypsilanti, MI for a 7:00 P.M. (EST) showdown with Eastern Michigan University. No. 24 Northern Illinois 27 vs. North Dakota State 9 184: Matt Wetterling (NDSU), pins Derick Lalowski (NIU), 2:08, 6-0 NDSU 197: Jacob Bryce (NDSU), dec. Derek Hunsinger (NIU), 3-2, 9-0 NDSU Hwt: #20 Joe Sapp (NIU), dec. sv-ot Mike Maresh (NDSU), 7-5, 9-3 NDSU 125: #12 Pat Castillo (NIU), dec. Mike Meger (NDSU), 6-5, 9-6 NDSU 133: Chad Vandiver (NIU), dec. Eric Sanders (NDSU), 7-5, 9-9 141: #11 Josh Wooton (NIU), pins David Cunningham (NDSU), 2:49, 15-9 NIU 149: #12 Mike Grimes (NIU), dec. Gabe Mooney (NDSU), 10-3, 18-9 NIU 157: Aaron Owen (NIU), dec. Andrew Quittschreiber (NDSU), 8-2, 21-9 NIU 165: Johnny Galloway (NIU), dec. Zach Molitor (NDSU), 6-2, 24-9 NIU 174: Danny Burk (NIU), dec. Matt Hermann (NDSU), 7-3, 27-9 NIU

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The No. 3-ranked University of Michigan wrestling team won eight individual bouts, including three with bonus points, to earn a dominant 27-6 victory over Ohio State on Sunday (Feb. 12) in front of 1,485 fans at St. John Arena. With the victory, the Wolverines improved to 6-0 in the Big Ten Conference competition. Senior/junior Nick Roy (Wall, N./J./Wall HS) kicked off the dual meet at 174 pounds, earning a dominant 20-7 victory over Zach Craiglow to set an early tone for the Wolverines. Roy converted on nine takedowns, including five in the first period, and accumulated 3:57 in riding time to earn his third major decision of the season. Sophomore/freshman Casey White (Commerce, Mich./Walled Lake Central HS) took advantage of a flurry late in the 197-pound match to score the deciding takedown en route to a 3-1 win over James Aston. With each wrestler earning his escape point, the score was locked at 1-1 with approximately 45 seconds remaining in the contest when White moved around behind out of a scramble situation on the edge to take the final advantage. The Wolverine rode out Aston for the rest of the match to eliminate the Buckeye wrestler's riding-time advantage. Fifth-year senior captain Greg Wagner (Fort Wayne, Ind./Snider HS) cruised to a 4-1 win over the Buckeyes' Kirk Nail at heavyweight, scoring the only points he would need with a takedown midway through the opening period. Nail had an early single leg, but Wagner fought it off and reshot, converting a double-leg attempt near the edge of the mat. The Buckeye earned his escape late in the period but would not score again as Wagner picked up an escape of his own and added 2:22 in riding time to improve to 21-0 on the season. Freshman Michael Watts (Riverton, Utah/Riverton HS) came out on top of a high-scoring 18-9 affair against OSU's Anner Arroyo to earn his second straight win at 125 pounds. Watts took immediate control in the match and never trailed, using a gator roll just seconds into the bout to put Arroyo to his back for two-and-two. The remainder of the match was marked by several flurries on the mat with Watts earning two more takedowns, a pair of reversals and four back points. The Wolverine added 2:53 in riding time to give the Wolverines an 11-point advantage entering the halftime break. Senior/junior Mark Moos (Lorain, Ohio/St. Edward HS) used riding-time advantage to break a deadlocked score at the end of regulation and claim a 5-4 decision against 20th-ranked Reece Humphrey. Moos took the initial lead off a single-leg takedown early in the opening period, but Humphrey was able to neutralize the score midway through the second with a takedown on the edge of the mat. Humphrey earned his escape early in the third frame to knot the score at 4-4, but with neither wrestler scoring through the remainder of the period, Moos' 1:59 in riding time proved the deciding factor. The Wolverines won a pair of tight matches at 141 and 149 pounds as junior/sophomores Josh Churella (Northville, Mich./Novi HS) and Eric Tannenbaum (Naperville, Ill/North HS) pulled off a two-point decisions to extend recent winning streaks. Churella used a single-leg takedown midway through the first period to score the only points he would need in a 3-1 decision against T.J. Enright, his 10th consecutive victory. Tannenbaum earned a 6-4 sudden-victory decision in the day's marquee match against 11th-ranked J Jaggers. The Wolverine, ranked sixth, gave up the initial takedown but rallied from the early deficit with a single leg of his own midway through the first period. Each wrestler earned his escape point to even the score at four apiece at the end of seven minutes. Tannenbaum, who had been in deep on a single leg at the final buzzer, immediately shot in on a low single on the whistle, and after a short scramble earned his points for his fifth straight win. At 157 pounds, junior/sophomore Jeff Marsh (Dexter, Mich./Dexter HS) earned his third dual win in as many appearances behind a 10-1 major decision against the Buckeyes' Steve Wolery. Marsh scored three takedowns and a pair of back points en route to the victory while allowing just an escape early in the second. His final takedown, a single leg at the closing buzzer, sealed up the extra bonus point for the Wolverines. The Wolverines will wrap up the regular season at home next weekend with a pair of tough Big Ten duals against Minnesota and Indiana. On Friday (Feb. 17), U-M will square off against the top-ranked Gopher squad in a 7 p.m. contest before returning on Sunday (Feb. 19) for its regular-season finale against Indiana at 2 p.m. Both duals will be held at Cliff Keen Arena. #3 Michigan 27, Ohio State 6 174 -- #7 Nick Roy (U-M) major dec. Zach Craiglow. 20-1 U-M, 4-0 184 -- Alex Picazo (OSU) dec. #18 Tyrel Todd, 7-6 U-M, 4-3 197 -- Casey White (U-M) dec. James Aston, 3-1 U-M, 7-3 Hwt -- #3 Greg Wagner (U-M) dec. Kirk Nail, 4-1 U-M, 10-3 125 -- Michael Watts (U-M) major dec. Anner Arroyo, 18-9 U-M, 14-3 133 -- #12 Mark Moos (U-M) dec. #20 Reece Humphrey, 5-4 U-M, 17-3 141 -- #4 Josh Churella (U-M) dec. T.J. Enright, 3-1 U-M, 20-3 149 -- #6 Eric Tannenbaum (U-M) dec. #11 J Jaggers, 6-4 SV U-M, 23-3 157 -- Jeff Marsh (U-M) major dec. Steve Wolery, 10-1 U-M, 27-3 165 -- Nathaniel Auguston (OSU) dec. Rob Sulaver, 7-6 U-M, 27-6

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The 2005-06 dual season came to a close for the No. 12 Arizona State University wrestling team Sunday afternoon as the Sun Devils defeated visiting Stanford, 30-15, on a busy day inside Wells Fargo Arena. On the strength of wins in each of the final three weight classes, the Sun Devils finished the dual season with a 14-7 overall record and, for the second year in a row, a perfect 8-0 mark in the Pac-10 while the Cardinal slipped to 7-7 overall and 4-4 in the conference. Prior to the dual, seniors Jeremy Mendoza (Temecula, Calif.), Marc Rizio (Petaluma, Calif.), C.B. Dollaway (Mt. Gilead, Ohio), Ryan Bader (Reno, Nev.) and Cain Velasquez (Yuma, Ariz.) were each honored as part of Senior Day festivities. When the wrestling started, the visitors took an early 6-0 lead as Mendoza forfeited to No. 10 Tanner Gardner at 125. Despite the deficit, the Sun Devils stormed back just as they did Friday night against Fresno State. At 133, John Espinoza (Jr., Phoenix, Ariz.) took to the mat and pinned Erick Minnick in 1:07 to tie the team score at six. ASU then surged ahead, 12-6, as Adam Hickey (So., Mayfield, Ohio) picked up a fall at 4:58. In what was the toughest, and longest, bout of the day, Josh Zupancic outlasted Pat Payne (So., Poway, Calif.) at 149, winning the bout, 8-6, in the second sudden victory period. Payne used an escape to tie the bout at four in the third period before a second stall on Zupancic made the score 5-4 for Payne. But the Cardinal wrestler earned one point for riding time to send the bout into overtime. After neither wrestler score in the one minute sudden victory period, both earned escapes in their respective tie breaker sessions. In the second sudden victory, Zupancic shot in and recorded the two point takedown and the win. Following an intermission to acknowledge the program's alumni in attendence and with the team score at 12-9, No. 9 Brian Stith (Jr., Hampton, Va.) added to the lead as he recorded an 8-2 decision over Scott Loescher. But, the Cardinal would win the next two bouts to tie the score at 15. At 165, No. 11 Patrick Pitsch (So., Spanaway, Wash.) had a late lead of 1-0 in the third period, but was reversed to his back for four points. Pitsch reversed his opponent, No. 16 Ray Blake, but could not score again, falling, 4-3. At 174, Luke Feist recorded a 4-0 decision over Alex Pavlenko (Fr., Mesa, Ariz.). Needing wins, the Sun Devils got just that as No. 9 Dollaway snapped his two-bout losing streak with a 5-0 decision over Brennan Corbett at 184. He was followed by Bader pinning Larry Ozawara at 4:01 for his second pin in as many bouts before Velasquez scored a pin of his own by sticking Jared Boyer at 2:15. The victory improved the Sun Devils to 8-0 in the Pac-10 for the second year in a row and gave the Sun Devils wins in 16 conference duals in a row. With Thom Ortiz at the helm of the program, the Sun Devils are 34-2 against Pac-10 foes and 19-0 inside Wells Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils will now have a weekend off from competition as they prepare to compete in the Pac-10 Wrestling Championships Feb. 26-27. The tournament will be held inside Maples Pavilion on the Stanford campus. No. 12 Arizona State defeats Stanford 30-15 125 - #10 Tanner Gardner (S) wins by forfeit 133 - John Espinoza (AS) pins Erick Minnick (S), 1:07 141 - Adam Hickey (AS) pins Juston Johnson (S), 4:58 149 - Josh Zupancic (S) dec. Pat Payne (AS), 8-6 sv2 157 - #9 Brian Stith (AS) dec. Scott Loescher (S), 8-2 165 - #16 Ray Blake (S) dec. 11 Patrick Pitsch (AS), 4-3 174 - Luke Feist (S) def. Alex Pavlenko (AS), 4-0 184 - #9 C.B. Dollaway (AS) dec. Brennan Corbett (S), 5-0 197 - #10 Ryan Bader (AS) pins Larry Ozawara (S), 4:01 285 - #4 Cain Velasquez (AS) pins Jared Boyer (S), 2:15

Edwardsville, Ill. -- The Statesmen grapplers rolled over their NCAA Division II hosts to begin the day, but were then handed a similar fate themselves in falling to another NCAA Division I foe at the Southern Illinois-Edwardsville Duals, Saturday. Penn (9-7) opened the Duals by dominating host SIU-Edwardsville, 46-3, but then fell for the third time this year to a program from the highest collegiate division with a 27-18 score to Eastern Illinois. The Statesmen had already lost to Division I's Bloomsburg (Pa.) and Purdue at the Purdue Duals in December. Matthew Chustz (Fr., Manassas Park, Va., Manassas Park HS) gave the Statesmen a positive start against the Cougars with an 11-4 victory at 125 as Penn won the first five matches of the meet. Dustin Howa (Fr., Price, Utah, Carbon HS) then picked up the first of three forfeits, collecting his at 133. Earl Robinson (So., Davenport, Davenport Central HS), who recently broke the school single-season mark for takedowns, picked up six more in a 21-4 technical fall win at 141. The sophomore now has 140 takedowns on the season, surpassing Darren Cotton's (Jr., Atlanta, Ga., McNair HS) mark of 123 from last season. Cotton claimed a default victory in his only match of the day at 149, while Brandon Graham (So., Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa HS) concluded the five-match win streak with a 20-5 technical fall at 157 to put Penn up 25-0 at that point. T.J. Stuart (Fr., Eddyville, Eddyville-Blakesburg HS) suffered Penn's only loss against the Cougars, falling 6-0 at 165, but Abel Trujillo (Jr., Durham, N.C., Riverside HS) got the Statesmen rolling forward again with a 48-second pin at 174. Jorge Ortiz (Jr., Chicago, Ill., Wilbur Wright HS) also won, taking a 4-2 decision at 174, before Mark Lovelace (Jr., Adrian, Mo., Adrian R-1 HS) and Jordan Wall (Fr., Liberty, N.C., Eastern Randolph HS) put the exclamation point on the meet win by claiming forfeit victories at 197 and 285, respectively. Chustz opened the dual against the Panthers of Eastern Illinois by receiving a forfeit victory. Howa put Penn up 9-0 with a 5-2 decision, but then the Statesmen backtracked a little as Robinson fell 8-3 at 141. Paul Carter (Jr., Carson City, Nev., Carson HS), who stepped in for Cotton at 149, helped put his squad back up by nine at 12-3 with a 7-4 decision. Angelo Love (Sr., Joliet, Ill., Joliet Township HS) also replaced a Penn starter in Graham but did not fare as well, losing by fall in the second period. Stuart kept the Statesmen on top at 165 with a 7-1 decision, but the Panthers finally caught up to their foes at 174 as Trujillo lost by fall in the final seconds to knot the meet at 15-15. Ortiz notched Penn's final win of the day at 184 with a 6-3 decision to give Penn the lead back at 18-15, but Lovelace (forfeit in the second period) and Wall (pin) both succumbed to defeat and Eastern Illinois came away with the meet win. Next time: Penn travels to Sioux City to compete in the NAIA Central Regional Tournament, Saturday, at 9 a.m. Regional champions in 2003 and 2004, the Statesmen are be looking to reclaim the regional title after finishing second a year ago to Dana (Neb.). Cotton will lead his squad as he pursues his third title in as many years. No other currently-eligible Penn wrestler has yet won a regional title in their careers. William Penn vs. Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, 46-3 125--Matthew Chustz (P) won by decision over Sean Mead, 11-4 (3-0) 133--Dustin Howa (P) won by forfeit (9-0) 141--Earl Robinson (P) won by technical fall over Nathan Decker, 21-4 (14-0) 149--Darren Cotton (P) won by injury default over Joe Rujawitz (20-0) 157--Brandon Graham (P) won by technical fall over Andrew Isensee, 20-5 (25-0) 165--John Ficht (E) won by decision over T.J. Stuart, 6-0 (25-3) 174--Abel Trujillo (P) won by fall over Jacob Petri, 0:48 (31-3) 184--Jorge Ortiz (P) won by decision over Dan Midgett, 4-2 (34-3) 197--Mark Lovelace (P) won by forfeit (40-3) 285--Jordan Wall (P) won by forfeit (46-3) William Penn vs. Eastern Illinois, 18-27 125--Matthew Chustz (P) won by forfeit (6-0) 133--Dustin Howa (P) won by decision over Tony Metzger, 5-2 (9-0) 141--Chase Beebe (E) won by decision over Earl Robinson, 8-3 (9-3) 149--Paul Carter (P) won decision over Jeff Tharp, 7-4 (12-3) 157--Thomas Johnson (E) won by fall over Angelo Love, 3:53 (12-9) 165--T.J. Stuart (P) won by decision over Tyler Brucker, 7-1 (15-9) 174--Kenny Robertson (E) won by fall over Abel Trujillo, 6:47 (15-15) 184--Jorge Ortiz (P) won by decision over Greg Perz, 6-3 (18-15) 197--Terron Williams (E) won by forfeit over Mark Lovelace (18-21) 285--Danny Perez (E) won by fall over Jordan Wall, 0:29 (18-27)

NORMAN, Okla. -- The No. 11/11 Oklahoma Sooners (10-5-1, 1-3) defeated the No. 20 Hofstra Pride (9-7-1) Sunday afternoon at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City as part of the ESPNU Double Dual Invitational. "We came ready to wrestle today, and for the most part it was a good win," said head coach Jack Spates. "Our team is tired right now from traveling to Nebraska then traveling back and then coming right back and wrestling today. But overall I'm pleased with our effort today" No. 2 Sam Hazewinkel recorded his 100th collegiate victory by pinning Jon Fennell at the 2:33 mark in the 125 pound match. "It's nice to get my 100th victory, and I'm happy to have made it to the mark" said Hazewinkel. "When I got to OU my goal was to win matches and championships but it's nice to get 100 wins. Were starting to come alive as a team right now and were excited for nationals" With the victory, the Sooners are now 5-0 all-time vs the Pride. Also scoring big for the Sooners was No. 2 Teyon Ware, who notched a technical fall, 19-3, over No. 12 Charles Griffin, in their 141 pound match. Also posting victories for the Sooners were No. 9 Matt Storniolo, No. 14 Jarrod King and No. 5 Joel Flaggert. Storniolo upset No. 4 Jon Masa by a decision of 6-2 in their 149 pound bout. King narrowly defeated Alton Luca winning by a decision of 7-5 in sudden death overtime. Flaggert also won by decision, 10-6, defeating Chris Weidman. "For Sam (Hazewinkel) to reach 100 victories in the middle of his junior season is very special," continued Spates. "We have overcome a lot of adversity as a team this year and our guys have never hung their heads. We keep battling and working and that is something that I am very proud of." Next up for the Sooners is part two of the annual Bedlam Series presented by the Bank of Oklahoma and Your Oklahoma Ford Dealer's, when the No. 2 Cowboys visit Howard McCasland Field House on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m.