InterMat Staff

MINNEAPOLIS -- Below is a look at the matchups for Saturday's semifinals, which take place at 1 p.m. CT. Oklahoma State vs. Missouri 125: Eddie Klimara (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 4 Alan Waters (Missouri) Previous: Waters dec. Klimara, 4-2 133: No. 7 Jon Morrison (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 5 Nathan McCormick (Missouri) Previous: McCormick dec. Morrison, 4-3 141: Julian Feikert (Oklahoma State) vs. Nick Hucke (Missouri) Previous: Hucke dec. Feikert, 5-4 149: No. 1 Jordan Oliver (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 15 Drake Houdashelt (Missouri) Previous: Oliver dec. Houdashelt, 4-2 157: No. 9 Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 19 Kyle Bradley (Missouri) Previous: Dieringer dec. Toal, 5-3 165: No. 3 Tyler Caldwell (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 16 Zach Toal (Missouri) Previous: Caldwell dec. Toal, 3-1 174: No. 2 Chris Perry (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 13 Todd Porter (Missouri) Previous: Porter maj. dec. Perry, 9-1 184: No. 11 Chris Chionuma (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 12 Mike Larson (Missouri) Previous: Chionuma dec. Larson, 5-4 197: No. 8 Blake Rosholt (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 18 Brent Haynes (Missouri) Previous: Rosholt dec. Haynes, 4-3 285: No. 3 Alan Gelogaev (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 1 Dom Bradley (Missouri) Previous: Bradley dec. Gelogaev, 2-1 Iowa vs. Minnesota 125: No. 1 Matt McDonough (Iowa) vs. No. 13 David Thorn (Minnesota) Previous: McDonough dec. Thorn, 6-3 133: No. 2 Tony Ramos (Iowa) vs. No. 8 Chris Dardanes (Minnesota) Previous: Ramos dec. Dardanes, 8-2 141: No. 7 Mark Ballweg (Iowa) vs. No. 9 Nick Dardanes (Minnesota) Previous: Ballweg dec. Dardanes, 3-1 149: Mike Kelly (Iowa) vs. No. 6 Dylan Ness (Minnesota) Previous: Ness dec. Kelly, 9-2 157: No. 1 Derek St. John (Iowa) vs. Danny Zilverberg (Minnesota) Previous: St. John dec. Zilverberg, 6-2 165: No. 13 Nick Moore (Iowa) vs. No. 14 Cody Yohn (Minnesota) Previous: Moore dec. Yohn, 8-2 174: No. 3 Mike Evans (Iowa) vs. No. 1 Logan Storley (Minnesota) Previous: Storley dec. Evans, 4-3 184: No. 14 Ethen Lofthouse (Iowa) vs. No. 5 Kevin Steinhaus (Minnesota) Previous: Steinhaus dec. Lofthouse, 6-3 197: No. 19 Nathan Burak (Iowa) vs. No. 11 Scott Schiller (Minnesota) Previous: Schiller dec. Burak, 3-1 285: No. 6 Bobby Telford (Iowa) vs. No. 2 Tony Nelson (Minnesota) Previous: Nelson dec. Telford, 2-1

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Attempting to record its 33rd straight National Prep wrestling championship, No. 1 Blair Academy leads after Day 1 of the tournament. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary is in second place behind the prohibitive favorite Blair. Good Counsel, Md., which had an impressive day, is in third place and looks to fend off in-state powerhouse No. 31 The McDonogh School, Md., as the rest of the field is competing for third place. Blair Academy and Wyoming Seminary have key head-to-head matchups in the semifinals and have all but secured a 1-2 finish. Championship semifinal action will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET at Stabler Arena on the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. Semifinal Matchups 106: No. 12 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian, Texas ) vs. TK Megonigal (The McDonogh School, Md.) Ethan McCoy (The Kiski School, Pa.) vs. Adam Whitesell (Good Counsel, Md.) 113: Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Danny Boychuck (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) Will Verallis (Northfield Mount Hermon, Mass.) vs. Eric Friedman (St. Paul's School, Md.) 120: No. 2 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Will Crisco (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) Matt Lattanze (Malvern Prep, Pa.) vs. Kevin Budock (Good Counsel, Md.) 126: No. 20 Judson Preskitt (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Tyshawn Williams (Archbishop Curley, Md.) Jhared Simmons (Good Counsel, Md.) vs. Jack Mutchnik (St. Paul's School, Md.) 132: No. 6 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Scott Strappelli (John Carroll, Md.) Luke Brooman (Episcopal Academy, Pa.) vs. No. 14 Andrew Atkinson (Liberty Christian Academy, Va.) 138: No. 5 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) vs. Xavi Ramos (McDonogh School, Md.) Spencer Slishman (Northfield Mount Hermon, Mass.) vs. Walker Dempsey (Blair Academy, N.J.) 145: No. 14 Jack Clark (McDonogh School, Md.) vs. George Weber (John Carroll, Md.) Ty White (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. No. 6 at 138 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) 152: No. 5 Russell Parsons (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Toby Hague (The McDonogh School, Md.) Robert Janis (St. Christopher's, Va.) vs. Zach Kelly (The Kiski School, Pa.) 160: No. 8 Myles Martin (The McDonogh School, Md.) vs. Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) Greg Bacci (Malvern Prep, Pa.) vs. No. 10 Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.) 170: Patrick Coover (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Troy Murtha (Georgetown Prep, Md.) Hunter Ritter (John Carroll, Md.) vs. Nicky Hall (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) 182: No. 1 Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Isaiah Bellamy (Lawrence School, Mass.) Tyler Patrick (The McDonogh School, Md.) vs. Addison Knepshield (Blair Academy, N.J.) 195: No. 3 Frank Mattiace (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Daniel Hawkins (Mount Saint Joseph, Md.) L.J. Barlow (The Haverford School, Pa.) vs. Spencer Neff (Good Counsel, Md.) 220: No. 1 Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.) vs. Shane Cockerille (The Gilman School, Md.) McZiggy Richards (St. Benedicts Prep, N.J.) vs. No. 11 Garrett Ryan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) 285: No. 2 Brooks Black (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Henry Anderson (Northfield Mount Hermon, Mass.) Steven Dwight (Hyde-Bath, Maine) vs. No. 8 Michael Johnson (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The Harvard wrestling team capped off its dual-meet season in dramatic fashion with a come-from-behind victory over Columbia Friday night at the Malkin Athletic Center, 18-16. Harvard trailed 15-9 heading into the 197 lbs. bout between James Fox and Nicholas Mills. Fox controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, taking a 4-0 lead into the second period and improving his advantage to 7-0 midway through. Leading 7-1 to begin the third, Fox conceded an escape to Mills before tacking on two points for a takedown, one point for stalling and one point for riding-time advantage to earn an 11-2 major decision. Nicholas Gajdzik and Chris Manna went scoreless into the second period of their heavyweight matchup with the Crimson now trailing by two in the team scores, 15-13. Gajdzik was able to ride Manna for the entire second period to accumulate 2:00 of riding time, and then took a 1-0 lead in the third as Manna conceded the escape. Gajdzik was able to defend against Manna's attack throughout the final frame and picked up the win, 2-0, to secure the team victory. Harvard improved to 8-5 overall and 6-4 in the EIWA with the win, marking the first time since 2000-01 that the Crimson has finished with a winning record overall and in the conference. Harvard also closed the year out with five consecutive wins, the longest win streak for the team since the same year. The Crimson and Columbia (5-8, 2-5 EIWA) split the first four weight classes beginning with Jeffrey Ott's 14-8 decision over Penn Gottfried at 125 lbs. No. 10 Steven Keith won by a score of 7-0 against Alec Mooradian at 141 lbs., but he was bookended by close losses by Shay Warren and Todd Preston. Warren dropped a 3-2 decision to Matt Bystol at 133 lbs. and Preston was on the short end of a 1-0 decision against Steve Santos. No. 8 Walter Peppelman registered a 3-0 decision over Jake O'Hara at 157 lbs. to regain a lead in the team scores, but more importantly Columbia was deducted one team point for bench misconduct. That point deduction ended up being the difference in the meet. The Lions rattled off three straight wins at 165 lbs., 174 lbs. and 184 lbs. to open their 15-9 advantage. Fox and Gajdzik responded, however, stealing the victory away. Harvard will now turn its attention towards the 2013 EIWA Championships which will be held March 8-9 on the campus of Rutgers University. Results: 125: Jeffrey Ott (HU) dec. Penn Gottfried (CU), 14-8, 3-0 133: Matt Bystol (CU) dec. Shay Warren (HU), 3-2, 3-3 141: No. 10 Seven Keith (HU) dec. Alec Mooradian (CU), 7-0, 6-3 149: Steve Santos (CU) dec. Todd Preston (HU), 1-0, 6-6 157: No. 8 Walter Peppelman (HU) dec. Jake O'Hara (CU), 3-0, 9-5 * Columbia deducted 1 team point for bench misconduct 165: Josh Houldsworth (CU) maj. dec. Devon Gobbo (HU), 10-1, 9-9 174: Stephen West (CU) dec. Cameron Croy (HU), 4-3, 9-12 184: Drew Rebling (CU) dec. Michael Mocco (HU), 5-2, 9-15 197: James Fox (HU) maj. dec. Nicholas Mills (CU), 11-2, 13-15 HWT: Nicholas Gajdzik (HU) dec. Chris Manna (CU), 2-0, 16-15

MINNEAPOLIS -- Oklahoma State, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri advanced to the semifinals of the 2013 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals after quarterfinal victories on Friday night at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. The semifinals will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT. Oklahoma State will meet Missouri in the top half of the bracket. The Cowboys defeated the Tigers 21-13 on Feb. 1 in Columbia, Mo. The other semifinal will pit Big Ten powers Iowa and Minnesota against each other. The two teams met on Jan. 26 in Minneapolis, with Iowa winning 16-15 on criteria. InterMat is providing a live blog for fans to follow the action and interact. Below are summaries and results from the four quarterfinal matches on Friday night. Oklahoma State 33, Illinois 3 The dual meet played out true to form with no upsets. Third-ranked Jesse Delgado earned a 4-3 decision over Eddie Klimara in the opening match to give Illinois a 3-0 lead. But it was all Oklahoma State the rest of the way. The Cowboys swept the remaining nine matches to win 33-3. Jon Morrison (133), Jordan Oliver (149), Alex Dieringer (157), and Alan Gelogaev (285) picked up bonus points for the Cowboys. Results: 125: No. 3 Jesse Delgado (Illinois) dec. Eddie Klimara (Oklahoma State), 4-3 133: No. 7 Jon Morrison (Oklahoma State) maj. dec. No. 10 Daryl Thomas (Illinois), 12-1 141: Julian Feikert (Oklahoma State) dec. Steven Rodrigues (Illinois), 3-2 149: No. 1 Jordan Oliver (Oklahoma State) pinned Caleb Ervin (Illinois), 0:58 157: No. 9 Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State) maj. dec. Matt Nora (Illinois), 14-5 165: No. 3 Tyler Caldwell (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 8 Conrad Polz (Illinois), 2-0 174: No. 2 Chris Perry (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 8 Jordan Blanton (Illinois), 2-1 184: No. 11 Chris Chionuma (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 19 Tony Dallago (Illinois), 7-5 197: No. 8 Blake Rosholt (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 14 Mario Gonzalez (Illinois), 6-3 SV2 285: No. 3 Alan Gelogaev (Oklahoma State) maj. dec. Chris Lopez (Illinois), 17-5 Missouri 28, Ohio State 6 Fourth-ranked Alan Waters kick-started Missouri by pinning No. 12 Nikko Triggas in the opening match at 125 pounds to give the Tigers a 6-0 lead. The Stieber brothers, Logan (133) and Hunter (141), earned decisions for the Buckeyes to knot the dual meet at 6-6 after three matches. But the Tigers dominated the rest of the way, winning the remaining seven matches. Drake Houdashelt (149), Kyle Bradley (157), Todd Porter (174), and Brent Haynes (197) defeated higher ranked opponents. Results: 125: No. 4 Alan Waters (Missouri) pinned No. 12 Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 3:58 133: No. 1 Logan Stieber (Ohio State) dec. No. 5 Nathan McCormick (Missouri), 8-2 141: No. 2 Hunter Stieber (Ohio State) dec. Nick Hucke (Missouri), 8-4 149: No. 15 Drake Houdashelt (Missouri) dec. No. 11 Cam Tessari (Ohio State), 4-2 157: No. 19 Kyle Bradley (Missouri) dec. No. 18 Josh Demas (Ohio State), 4-2 SV1 165: No. 16 Zach Toal (Missouri) dec. Mark Martin (Ohio State), 1-0 174: No. 13 Todd Porter (Missouri) dec. No. 6 Nick Heflin (Ohio State), 4-3 184: No. 12 Mike Larson (Missouri) dec. No. 20 C.J. Magrum (Ohio State), 5-0 197: No. 18 Brent Haynes (Missouri) dec. No. 12 Andrew Campolattano (Ohio State), 5-0 285: No. 1 Dom Bradley (Missouri) maj. dec. Kosta Karageorge (Ohio State), 12-4 Iowa 21, Cornell 16 Iowa defeated Cornell 21-16 in a dual meet that came down to the final match. Iowa led 17-16 going into the final match before sixth-ranked Bobby Telford closed out the victory with a major decision victory at heavyweight. Tony Ramos (133), Derek St. John, Mike Evans (174), and Telford (285) earned bonus points for the Hawkeyes. Results: 125: No. 1 Matt McDonough (Iowa) dec. No. 6 Nahshon Garrett (Cornell), 8-3 133: No. 2 Tony Ramos (Iowa) pinned Bricker Dixon (Cornell), 6:11 141: No. 13 Mike Nevinger (Cornell) dec. No. 7 Mark Ballweg (Iowa), 3-1 149: No. 14 Chris Villalonga (Cornell) dec. Mike Kelly (Iowa), 3-1 157: No. 1 Derek St. John (Iowa) maj. dec. Jesse Shanaman (Cornell), 11-3 165: No. 1 Kyle Dake (Cornell) maj. dec. No. 13 Nick Moore (Iowa), 13-4 174: No. 3 Mike Evans (Iowa) maj. dec. Duke Pickett (Cornell), 11-2 184: No. 4 Steve Bosak (Cornell) dec. No. 14 Ethen Lofthouse (Iowa), 3-2 197: Jace Bennett (Cornell) dec. No. 19 Nathan Burak (Iowa), 6-3 285: No. 6 Bobby Telford (Iowa) maj. dec. Jacob Aiken Phillips (Cornell), 9-0 Minnesota 28, Virginia Tech 8 Defending National Duals champion Minnesota won eight of ten matches against Virginia Tech and rolled to a 28-8 victory in their home arena. The biggest upset of the dual meet came at 157 pounds, where Minnesota's Danny Zilverberg earned a 5-0 shutout victory over seventh-ranked Jesse Dong. Results: 125: No. 5 Jarrod Garnett (Virginia Tech) dec. No. 13 David Thorn (Minnesota), 10-7 133: No. 8 Chris Dardanes (Minnesota) maj. dec. No. 18 Erik Spjut (Virginia Tech), 14-4 141: No. 9 Nick Dardanes (Minnesota) dec. No. 12 Zach Neibert (Virginia Tech), 9-2 149: No. 6 Dylan Ness (Minnesota) dec. No. 9 Nick Brascetta (Virginia Tech), 7-6 157: Danny Zilverberg (Minnesota) dec. No. 7 Jesse Dong (Virginia Tech), 5-0 165: No. 4 Peter Yates (Virginia Tech) tech. fall No. 14 Cody Yohn (Minnesota), 18-2 174: No. 1 Logan Storley (Minnesota) dec. Austin Gabel (Virginia Tech), 8-2 184: No. 5 Kevin Steinhaus (Minnesota) pinned Nick Vetterlein (Virginia Tech), 4:33 197: No. 11 Scott Schiller (Minnesota) dec. Bobby LaVelle (Virginia Tech), 9-7 285: No. 2 Tony Nelson (Minnesota) dec. David Marone (Virginia Tech), 3-0

EAST LANSING -- The No. 11 Central Michigan wrestling program continued a pair of streaks in an impressive 27-10 victory over in-state foe Michigan State Friday night. The Chippewas (17-3) earned their 10th straight dual victory of the 2013 season and their 12th straight victory over the Spartans (4-14) by claiming seven of the 10 bouts on the night. Bonus points were earned in three matches as junior Craig Kelliher earned a 10-2 major decision, No. 2 senior Ben Bennett claimed victory by technical fall in his fifth straight match and No. 7 senior Scotti Sentes pinned his opponent in just 1:39. The match started at 141 pounds with junior Scott Mattingly earning a 4-0 decision over Nick Timble and senior Donnie Corby put the Chippewas in front 6-0 with a close 3-2 decision over Dan Osterman. Corby was down 2-1 entering the third period, but used a takedown to secure the victory. Sophomore Mike Ottinger won his 10th straight match with a 3-2 decision over Nick Proctor and No. 11 Christian Cullinan won 5-0 over Brenan Lyon to complete the CMU victories. The Chippewas now have a 16 day break until their next competition when they will head to the Mid-American Conference Championships in Buffalo, N.Y. CMU has won the last 11 MAC Championships crowns. Results: 141: Scott Mattingly (CMU) dec. Nicholas Timble, 4-0; CMU 3-0 149: Donnie Corby (CMU) dec. Dan Osterman, 3-2; CMU 6-0 157: Ryan Watts (MSU) dec. Luke Smith, 7-3; CMU 6-3 165: Mike Ottinger (CMU) dec. Nick Proctor, 3-2; CMU 9-3 174: Craig Kelliher (CMU) maj. dec. Jordan Wohlfert, 10-2; CMU 13-3 184: No. 2 Ben Bennett (CMU) tech. fall Eric Ford, 6:25 15-0; CMU 18-3 197: Luke Jones (MSU) maj. dec. Jackson Lewis, 10-1; CMU 18-7 Hwt: No. 7 Michael McClure (MSU) dec. Jarod Trice, TB3 Riding Time 3-2; CMU 18-10 125: No. 11 Christian Cullinan (CMU) dec. Brenan Lyon, 5-0; CMU 21-10 133: No. 7 Scotti Sentes (CMU) fall Brandon Fifield, 1:39; CMU 27-10

EDINBORO, Pa. -- The No. 17 University of Pittsburgh wrestling team won the final six matches of the night to erase an 18-0 deficit and defeat No. 15 Edinboro, 19-18, this evening at McComb Field House. "You talk about this team, there’s no quit in this team," said head coach Rande Stottlemyer. "This was a lot of fun. To do this here, in our last EWL match, was a great moment." After the Fighting Scots took the first four matches of the evening, Donnie Tasser got the Panthers on the board with a 10-2 major decision at 157 pounds over Casey Fuller. Tasser started the match aggressively scoring an early takedown on a high single near the center of the mat. The senior was able to push his lead to 5-0 after two, scoring a quick escape and then converting a low single on the ankle for the two points. In the third, Tasser kept up his aggressive approach and secured a pair of takedowns to extend his lead to 9-2. A bonus point for riding time secured the major decision for Tasser and put momentum in Pitt’s corner. Tyler Wilps took a 9-6 decision over Johnny Greisheimer to keep the momentum going. After trailing 6-5 going into the final period, Wilps started down and earned a quick escape to knot the match. A high single converted into a takedown near the edge of the mat put WIlps ahead for good and a bonus point for riding time gave Wilps the 9-6 decision and cutting further into the EU advantage. At 174 pounds, Nick Bonaccrosi took a 6-1 decision over Patrick Jennings. Bonaccorsi used a pair of first period takedowns, a second period escape and a bonus point for over three minutes riding time to earn the victory. Max Thomusseit gave up an early takedown to Vince Pickett at 184 but quickly responded with an escape and takedown of his own to take a 3-2 lead into the second. In the second, Thomusseit gained control of the match with an escape and takedown. Thomusseit was able to secure a 7-2 decision when he rode out Pickett in the third to cut the Edinboro team lead to a mere five points with two matches remaining. Wrestling without senior heavyweight Zac Thomusseit due to illness, the Panthers had to bump up P.J. Tasser from up from 174 pounds to 197 pounds. The junior responded by picking up a huge 9-2 decision over Warren Bosch. Giving up over 20 pounds to Bosch, Tasser was able to strike first when he planted Bosch off a scramble and turned him to his back for a pair of nearfall points to take a 4-0 lead after 1. Tasser pushed his advantage to 7-0 after the second when he earned an escape and yet another takedown, this time on a high single. Tasser was able to clinch the win in the third with an escape off a reversal and a point for riding time to set up a heavyweight showdown to decide the match. "P.J. is the consummate team guy," said Stottlemyer. "He stepped up for us again tonight and got us a big win to keep us in the match." Wrestling his first match of the season at heavyweight, Matt Wilps was giving up 60 pounds to 20th-ranked Ernest James. After the two combatants exchanged a scoreless first, Wilps started down in the second and quickly escaped. Following the Wilps escape, neither wrestler was able to score in the remainder of the frame and Wilps went to the third with a narrow 1-0 advantage. While on top in the third, Wilps was reversed but was able to escape sending the match to overtime. In sudden victory, Wilps got in on a single near the edge but time expired before he could finish on it and the match went on to ride outs. James chose down to start and Wilps was able to ride him out for the 30 seconds, punctuated by an authoritative slam with eight seconds remaining. When Wilps was down he was quickly able to find his base and earn the escape to secure the 3-2 victory and give Pitt the dramatic 19-18 victory. "This was a great team win for us," Stottlemyer said. "We kept fighting the whole match and were able to get the win. Give all the credit to our guys, they didn’t back down." The Panthers will return to the mats on Saturday, March 9, when they return to McComb Fieldhouse on the Edinboro campus for the EWL Championships. Results: 125: Kory Mines (E) pins Derrick Nelson (P), 1:32; EU leads, 6-0 133: No. 3 A.J. Schopp (E) dec. No. 17 Shelton Mack (P), 2-0; EU leads, 9-0 141: No. 4 Mitchell Port (E) pins Travis Shaffer (P), 5:54; EU leads, 15-0 149: No. 17 David Habat (E) dec. Ronnie Garbinsky (P), 8-6; EU leads, 18-0 157: Donnie Tasser (P) m. dec. Casey Fuller (E), 10-2; EU leads, 18-4 165: No. 12 Tyler Wilps (P) dec. Johnny Greishemier (E), 9-6; EU leads, 18-7 174: Nick Bonaccorsi (P) dec. Patrick Jennings (E), 6-1; EU leads, 18-10 184: No. 14 Max Thomusseit (P) dec. Vince Pickett (E), 7-2; EU leads, 18-13 197: P.J. Tasser (P) dec. Warren Bosch (E), 9-2; EU leads, 18-16 285: Matt Wilps (P) dec. No. 20 Ernest James (E), 3-2 (OT); Pitt wins 19-18

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- The Lehigh wrestling team closed out its dual meet season with an impressive 31-9 win over Bucknell Friday night at Davis Gym. The Mountain Hawks won eight bouts including four wins by major decision to finish the dual season with a 10-7. Lehigh has now won at least 10 dual meets in 14 consecutive seasons. “It was a good finish,” explained Lehigh head coach Pat Santoro. “The dual season is over and now the real season begins. We need to tighten some things up over the next two weeks. This is tournament time coming up. This is the best time of year coming up. This is what we’ve been waiting for all year. The guys are excited about it and they’re getting healthy, but we have to be strong in two weeks.” The dual began with a forfeit to Lehigh senior Alex Abreu at 125 before the Mountain Hawks rolled off four consecutive wins to lead 21-0 at the halfway point. Both freshman Randy Cruz and sophomore Anthony Salupo used high-scoring first periods to work towards major decisions. Cruz scored an early takedown on Paul Petrov at 133, then slapped on a cradle for three near fall points, and added three more near fall points before the end of the period to lead 8-0 after one. Cruz added a second period takedown, a third period escape and riding time to win 12-1. Salupo also posted an eight point first period in his match with Derrik Russell. A takedown and three point near fall had Salupo up 5-0 before Russell scored a reversal. After an escape, Salupo added one more takedown to lead 8-2 after one. Salupo added an escape in the third period plus a takedown and riding to earn the 12-3 major. “They went out and wrestled hard and wrestled with a lot of effort,” Santoro said. “The effort has been a lot better the last couple of weeks. When we get to the postseason it’s all about effort. You have to be intense and sealing the deals when you get the opportunity.” Things were much lower scoring at 149, but senior Shane Welsh posted his 12th consecutive win, 4-1 over Adam Healey. Welsh scored a two point near fall in the third period plus earned riding time advantage for the three point margin of victory. Junior Joey Napoli followed with Lehigh’s third major decision as he racked up six takedowns in a 14-5 win over Vincent Favia at 157 to improve to 15-2 on the season. Bucknell posted its first win at 165 as 17th-ranked Corey Lear built a 9-0 lead before pinning freshman Ben Haas at the 6:22 mark. At 174, Lewisburg native Nathaniel Brown wrestled in front of family and friends and delighted his cheering section with an 11-4 decision over Robert Schlitt. Brown scored a takedown in each period and added two near fall points in the second. A locked hands call in the third cost Brown the major decision. Lehigh’s fourth major decision came from senior Robert Hamlin, who cruised to career win No. 101 with a 12-4 win over Robert Marchese at 184. Hamlin totaled five takedowns including two in the first period and two more in the third. Freshman John Bolich earned a 5-1 decision over Tyler Lyster at 197 for Lehigh’s eighth win of the night. Bolich scored a quick first period takedown and rode out the remaining 2:49. Lyster rode out the second period, but Bolich added a takedown in the third plus riding time advantage. Bucknell took the final bout of the night as Joe Stolfi edged freshman Max Wessell 7-6.The first two periods were full of back-and-forth action as Wessell scored the opening takedown. Stolfi then escaped and scored a takedown of his own. Wessell then scored a reversal and after a Stolfi escape the match was tied at 4-4 after one period. The wrestlers traded reversals to open the second period, with Stolfi going in front on an escape. Wessell chose neutral in the third and had several quality shots but could not finish as the Bison sophomore captured the final bout. The Mountain Hawks will return to action at the 109th EIWA Championships, hosted by Rutgers March 8-9 in Piscataway, N.J. Results: 125: Alex Abreu (Lehigh) won by forfeit 133: Randy Cruz (Lehigh) major dec. Paul Petrov (Bucknell) 12-1 141: Anthony Salupo (Lehigh) major dec. Derrik Russell (Bucknell) 12-3 149: Shane Welsh (Lehigh) dec. Adam Healey (Bucknell) 4-1 157: Joey Napoli (Lehigh) major dec. Vincent Favia (Bucknell) 14-5 165: Corey Lear (Bucknell) Fall Ben Haas (Lehigh) 6:22 174: Nathaniel Brown (Lehigh) dec. Robert Schlitt (Bucknell) 11-4 184: Robert Hamlin (Lehigh) major dec. Robert Marchese (Bucknell) 12-4 197: John Bolich (Lehigh) dec. Tyler Lyster (Bucknell) 5-1 285: Joe Stolfi (Bucknell) dec. Max Wessell (Lehigh) 7-6

National Prep Championships

NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals Finals

Below is a look at first-round matchups pitting ranked wrestlers against each other. Oklahoma State vs. Illinois (6 p.m.) 133: No. 5 Jon Morrison (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 10 Daryl Thomas (Illinois) 165: No. 3 Tyler Caldwell (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 8 Conrad Polz (Illinois) 174: No. 2 Chris Perry (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 8 Jordan Blanton (Illinois) 184: No. 11 Chris Chionuma (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 19 Tony Dallago (Illinois) 197: No. 8 Blake Rosholt (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 14 Mario Gonzalez (Illinois) Ohio State vs. Missouri (6 p.m.) 125: No. 12 Nikko Triggas (Ohio State) vs. No. 4 Alan Waters (Missouri) 133: No. 1 Logan Stieber (Ohio State) vs. No. 5 Nathan McCormick (Missouri) 149: No. 11 Cam Tessari (Ohio State) vs. No. 15 Drake Houdashelt (Missouri) 157: No. 18 Josh Demas (Ohio State) vs. No. 19 Kyle Bradley (Missouri) 174: No. 6 Nick Heflin (Ohio State) vs. No. 13 Todd Porter (Missouri) 184: No. 20 C.J. Magrum (Ohio State) vs. No. 12 Mike Larson (Missouri) 197: No. 12 Andrew Campolattano/Kenny Courts (Ohio State) vs. No. 18 Brent Haynes (Missouri) 285: No. 13 Peter Capone (Ohio State) vs. No. 1 Dom Bradley (Missouri) Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech (8 p.m.) 125: No. 13 David Thorn (Minnesota) vs. No. 5 Jarrod Garnett (Virginia Tech) 133: No. 8 Chris Dardanes (Minnesota) vs. No. 18 Erik Spjut (Virginia Tech) 141: No. 9 Nick Dardanes (Minnesota) vs. No. 12 Zach Neibert (Virginia Tech) 149: No. 6 Dylan Ness (Minnesota) vs. No. 9 Nick Brascetta (Virginia Tech) 165: No. 14 Cody Yohn (Minnesota) vs. No. 4 Peter Yates (Virginia Tech) Iowa vs. Cornell (8 p.m.) 125: No. 1 Matt McDonough (Iowa) vs. No. 6 Nahshon Garrett (Cornell) 141: No. 7 Mark Ballweg (Iowa) vs. No. 13 Mike Nevinger (Cornell) 165: No. 13 Nick Moore (Iowa) vs. No. 1 Kyle Dake (Cornell) 184: No. 14 Ethen Lofthouse/Grant Gambrall (Iowa) vs. No. 4 Steve Bosak (Cornell)

Iowa's Tony Ramos is one of eight undefeated wrestlers competing (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine) Here is a look at four storylines to follow at this year's NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals finals, which take place Friday and Saturday in Minneapolis. Undefeated wrestlers The field includes eight wrestlers who are undefeated this season. Those wrestlers are Alan Waters of Missouri at 125 pounds, Logan Stieber of Ohio State at 133 pounds, Tony Ramos of Iowa at 133 pounds, Hunter Stieber of Ohio State at 141 pounds, Jordan Oliver of Oklahoma State at 149 pounds, Derek St. John of Iowa at 157 pounds, Kyle Dake of Cornell at 165 pounds, and Dom Bradley of Missouri at 285 pounds. Will all eight leave Minneapolis with their perfect records still intact? Stay tuned. Intriguing first-round matches There are several intriguing first-round matches to keep an eye on. Here is a sampling ... Oklahoma State vs. Illinois (6 p.m.): Illinois associate head coach Mark Perry finds himself on the opposite side of his brother, Oklahoma State's Chris Perry, the nation's second-ranked 174-pounder, and his uncle John Smith, Oklahoma State's coach. Chris Perry will meet Jordan Blanton in a battle of returning All-Americans. Perry won all three of the meetings last season between the two wrestlers, including twice at the NCAAs. Ohio State vs. Missouri (6 p.m.): There will be a matchup between two top five wrestlers at 133 pounds, No. 1 Logan Stieber vs. No. 5 Nathan McCormick. The two met in the finals of the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational in early December, with Stieber winning that meeting 12-1. Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech (8 p.m.): Two of the nation's top ten 149-pounders will square off, Dylan Ness vs. Nick Brascetta. Ness was an NCAA runner-up last season as a freshman. Brascetta claimed a Midlands title in late December. Iowa vs. Cornell (8 p.m.): Top-ranked Matt McDonough will meet sixth-ranked Nahshon Garrett at 125 pounds. McDonough, a two-time NCAA champion and three-time NCAA finalist, has kept his No. 1 ranking at 125 pounds despite a recent loss to Jesse Delgado of Illinois. Garrett, a freshman who started wrestling in ninth grade, has not dropped a match since the Southern Scuffle. Dan Gable disciples Legendary Iowa wrestling coach Dan Gable's influence is still felt today in the college wrestling world. Of the eight head coaches with teams in the National Duals finals, four wrestled for Gable at Iowa and a fifth coached with him. Iowa coach Tom Brands was a four-time All-American and three-time NCAA champion wrestling for Gable. He finished with a career record of 158-7-2. Tom Ryan, Ohio State's head coach, was a two-time All-American (second in 1991, third in 1992) as a member of the Hawkeyes' 1991 and 1992 national and Big Ten championships teams. He was also a two-time Big Ten champion. Illinois coach Jim Heffernan was a four-time All-American wrestling for Gable at Iowa, finishing fourth, second, first, and second. He was named Iowa's Male Athlete of the Year in 1987 and was a four-time Big Ten champion. He led the Hawkeyes to three NCAA championships. Virginia Tech coach Kevin Dresser was a two-time All-American and NCAA champion in 1986 competing for Gable. He also coached under Gable several years after graduating from Iowa. Minnesota coach J Robinson was Dan Gable's assistant at Iowa from 1976 through 1984. Impact freshmen Several freshmen have been making an impact in Division I this season. Here is a look at five to watch during the finals of the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. Nahshon Garrett (Cornell, 125): The sixth-ranked Garrett has given Rob Koll's Big Red lineup a major boost this season. He finished runner-up at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and third at the Southern Scuffle. Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State, 157): Dieringer, currently ranked in the top ten at 157 pounds, looks to be a real threat to earn All-American honors as a freshman in Des Moines. He has a 23-2 record and has won his last seven matches in dual meets. Dieringer went 2-0 with two pins in the regional round. Kenny Courts (Ohio State, 184/197): Courts was one of the nation's top recruits coming out of high school in Pennsylvania. He has picked up some key wins for the Buckeyes this season wrestling at both 184 pounds and 197 pounds. Nathan Burak (Iowa, 197): Burak, who spent last year the Olympic Training Center, has shown steady improvement throughout his freshman season. His most notable win this season has come over Ohio State's Andrew Campolattano, a round of 12 finisher last season. Caleb Ervin (Illinois, 149): Ervin, a Kentucky native, caught the attention of the college wrestling world when he won my major decision over NCAA runner-up Dylan Ness of Minnesota on Jan. 21. He has a 21-8 record.

InterMat senior writer T.R. Foley answers reader questions about NCAA wrestling, international wrestling, recruiting, or anything loosely related to wrestling. You have until Thursday night every week to send questions to Foley's Twitter or email account. Do you want to read a past mailbag? Access archives. Like most of you, I've spent the week since the IOC's announcement cycling through the stages of grief. At times I'm so angry that crazy homicidal plots creep into my subconscious, but then at other times I'm hopelessly optimistic that the world will see the fallacy of the IOC's power and rebel en masse. But mostly I'm confused and saddened. Wrestling and the connection it has to the world and humanity is as much my beat as anything else, and to see the most privileged men in the world rip opportunity from the arms of the hard-working under-privileged makes me crazed. Fortunately I get to write about these frustrations. Last week's article was the most shared in the history of InterMat. As a writer it was humbling to read your emails, but as a fan of the sport it was also encouraging to see that article and the myriad videos and memes of the Internet get passed around to our family, friends and acquaintances. Getting the word out is the first step in improving our situation and as a community we've done well to announce our displeasure. Time is a great healer, but for us it's our greatest enemy. Please keep up the pressure. I'm narrowing in on a new story, but in the meantime give this Bloomberg article a once-over and try to share it across your social networks. On a lighter note you should read this incredible think piece on the Die Hard franchise. I especially think that we can see parallels in the author's final paragraph ... All those heroes who once stood for certainty, fearlessness and unwavering confidence have been swept away, their statues toppled -- and the one still standing is the one who represents fear, anxiety, frustration, uncertainty and, despite it all, irrational hope. This is a jittery world, and increasingly so, and complex beyond understanding, and at times it all seems stitched together by the barest of threads, and this feeling only gets worse as you get older. Expertise, it turns out, offers little solace. So it makes sense that the best, most enduring modern hero is not one who vows to wrap his muscular arms around the world and hold it all together. It's the one who promises that, when it all falls apart, you can still hope to hobble away from it, limping on your glass-shredded feet, bloodied but somehow still intact. To your questions ... Q: If the IOC decision to drop wrestling from the Olympics holds up, will this change the direction of current OTC residents who currently have college eligibility (i.e. Destin McCauley)? -- Paul B. Foley: It could certainly impact their decision to compete. Destin McCauley would likely see out this cycle, but whether a limited future prompts hard work, or for the young to find a new employ is a personal decision. The final verdict on the future of wrestling won't be known until September, so most of these life-altering decisions can be postponed. For now his focus should remain on the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. I think RTC's have been a great addition to collegiate wrestling. As a former coach, I think having a mature set of 24 to 34-year-old wrestlers training and competing alongside the college kids shows positive habits. It was certainly a positive influence for my team to have RTC guys training at Virginia. Q: How is it possible that Big Ten scholarship wrestlers are having problems wrestling a full match at this point in the season. I've seen a number of instances where a highly ranked wrestler (e.g. Andrew Alton) just "broke" due to being gassed out. I know that the Altons had a unique situation, but yet and still how is this even a discussion topic? Shouldn't I presume that any top quality D1 wrestler is able/ready to go flat out for 15 minutes if necessary? I know guys are cutting real weight and all but it just seems ridiculous to me that conditioning is even a discussion topic. Please weigh in and help clarify. -- Bryan R. Foley: Brother, wrestling is a tough sport, and though many of these horses can run, there are times when bad sleep, diet, or suspensions due to drinking can set the body off course. Chalk it up to circumstance and remember how sore you are after running three miles. They deserve to be held accountable, but save your righteous indignation for the conference tournament. Q: I think it's a shame that there is a huge shortage of tickets this year for the NCAAs due to it being held at a smaller venue in Des Moines. Who decides where the NCAA tournament is held each year and what criteria is used in their selection process? -- Randy B. Foley: I spoke to Jeff Jarnecke at the NCAA (great guy) and he filled me in on how they selected the cities and why there was such a decrease in the number of available seats. Basically we hadn't had a sellout before 2009, and because bids are set four years in advance the thinking became that Des Moines could be the first sellout. Well, we went ahead and sold out 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 even with substantial increases in price. Now we have fans who can't attend. Overall there are about 10k fewer seats this year, but on the positive side the committee will be taking bids on the next four-year cycle this year and should announcer a winner, or winners by the end of the 2013. There is a CHANCE that the committee could find a semi-permanent location, though the details behind such a decision are numerous and confusing. The NCAA would love to have a permanent location like baseball enjoys in Omaha, but it would take a significant investment by a major city to make that dream a possibility. (Just point me to the beer ...) Let's just be happy that our problem is not having enough seats, instead of not having enough fans. Q: I would like to see more coverage of junior college wrestling. The JUCO Nationals are Feb. 22-23 in Des Moines, Iowa. Will Intermat run a preview? Many great JUCO wrestlers have gone on to successful careers at D-1 and D-2 schools. -- Dennis R. S Foley: Your wish is our command. Johnnie Johnson is going to be providing JUCO coverage for InterMat, including photos. Q: As a fan of both wrestling and MMA, I have been impatiently waiting for fighters from the Caucasus region of Russia to get into American MMA. Well it has finally started to happen with recent events in both Bellator and the UFC. I am curious about the way that these guys are trained in order to have such superb/exciting technique and killer instinct. If I keep Googling Chechen fighters I may end up on a homeland security watch list (try it ... you'll understand) so I thought you might be able to help me out based on your travels. Additionally, do you know if the major U.S. MMA organizations have scouts out there in the mountains searching for future prospects? -- Dave Foley: I don't have any personal experience in the Caucuses, but the evidence of their toughness is in the number of vicious knockouts they've secured over the past two years. There are about a dozen fighters from Chechnya and Dagestan who are blowing through the UFC and Bellator. I've been doing some research for an upcoming story in FIGHT! and can tell you that after they win their fights that each of these fighters heads straight back to Russia. Guess it was my own naïveté but I would have thought they'd have stayed in the states, drank mai tais and flirted with our women. Guess they still love home, and that it's only the opportunity to fight in America they find ultra-compelling. HALFTIME The NCAA is the OG IOC. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows ... Q: As we all know A.C. Slater was a stud grappler, played by Mario Lopez. The upcoming film "Foxcatcher" has Channing Tatum playing Mark Schultz. With both Lopez and Tatum playing premier wrestlers (granted one is fictional) which actor would win in a wrestling match? -- Brian Foley: Channing Tatum is immensely more likable and is playing Mark Shultz. Magic Mike by 5. Q: Has the NCAA ever considered giving 1 point per minute of riding time? I think of Nick Moore's 3-plus minutes of riding time against Cody Yohn recently, and Kyle Dake's 6+ minutes against Frank Molinaro in the NCAA finals. Do you personally think it would be a good idea? -- Wes F. Foley: Fantastic idea for guys that are good on top, but I think you'd see the matches slow to a crawl as guys tried to hand on for that second minute instead of battling it out on their feet. By your rules Jesse Jantzen would've racked up an average of five extra points a match, and he was already good enough for OW in 2004. Q: Since we need more made-for-TV events, can you make this one happen -- at the end of the World Team Trials in June, a FOLKSTYLE exhibition between (likely four-time champ) Kyle Dake and Jordan Burroughs? I'm thinking Kid Dynamite rides Burroughs out, trades two escapes for one Burroughs takedown, and beats the Olympic champ 3-2. OK, maybe not. But wouldn't it be awesome? -- Ronald M. Foley: I floated this idea to a few friends and each became crazed, and Muir immediately started crafting a line. Super matches are a fun idea and with expert marketing and willing participants they could become media events. Why don't we let the IOC decision blow over and then we'll revisit in September. Who knows, these matches might be part of a new professional league that exists in a post-Olympic world. Cael Sanderson on Jay Mohr Sports fighting the loss of wrestling in the Olympics ...

STEVENS POINT, Wis. -- Building a 15-0 lead after the first four bouts, the Augsburg College wrestling team finished its regular season with an 18-15 dual-meet victory at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Thursday evening at Berg Gym. Both teams won five bouts, but a technical-fall victory by 125-pounder Mike Fuenffinger (SO, Hibbing, Minn.) and a major-decision win by Tossaporn "Boyd" Suparat (SR, North Branch, Minn.) at 133 proved to be the difference in the triumph for Augsburg (6-6 overall). After Augsburg won the first four bouts, Wisconsin-Stevens Point (14-8 overall) won the next three in a row, but one of the key moments in the match came at 165 pounds, when Augsburg's Justin Bowland (JR, Foley, Minn.) claimed a 4-2 victory over the Pointers' Jordan Schulte, ranked No. 7 in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III rankings. The Pointers won the final two bouts, but both were three-point decisions, giving the Auggies the 18-15 win. Augsburg entered Thursday's match ranked No. 20 in the most recent NWCA Division III national poll, while Wisconsin-Stevens Point was ranked No. 9. Fuenffinger improved to 22-5 on the year with a 15-0, technical-fall victory over Lance Fabry at 125 pounds. The win was his 11th bonus-point victory of the season and his fourth technical-fall win. Suparat improved to 25-11 on the season with a 9-1, major-decision win over Lucas McGann at 133. Matt Hechsel (SO, Apple Valley, Minn.) opened the match with an 8-6 win over Craig Brandvold at 197 pounds, improving to 28-9 on the season. Top-ranked heavyweight and defending national champion Chad Johnson (JR, Ferryville, Wis./De Soto HS) improved to 30-1 on the season with a 5-3 win over Jordan Koranda. Johnson is now 98-13 in his three seasons at Augsburg. Jordan Kust, ranked No. 6 nationally at 141 for the Pointers, scored a 4-2 win over Augsburg's Tom Kuehn (SO, Fargo, N.D./West Fargo HS), while the Pointers' Ben Strobel scored a 5-1 win over Rashad Kennedy (SO, Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Henry Sibley HS) at 149, and the Pointers' Jamey Simmons claimed a 7-3 win over Kurt Knutsen (SO, Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley HS) at 157. In the final two bouts of the night, Bill Langford scored a 9-7 win over Augsburg's Quinten Strand (FY, Viroqua, Wis./De Soto HS) at 174, and Andy Borchardt claimed a 5-2 win over Augsburg's Noel Sweeney (JR, Grand Rapids, Minn.) at 184. Augsburg will host the NCAA Division III West Regional on Saturday, March 2 at 9 a.m. at Si Melby Hall, attempting to qualify wrestlers to the NCAA Division III National Championships. Results: 197 -- Matt Hechsel (AUG, 28-9) dec. Craig Brandvold (UWSP, 3-10) 8-6 (Augsburg 3-0) HWT -- No. 1 Chad Johnson (AUG, 30-1) dec. Jordan Koranda (UWSP, 27-7) 5-3 (Augsburg 6-0) 125 -- Mike Fuenffinger (AUG, 22-5) tech. fall. Lance Fabry (UWSP, 22-13) 15-0 (Augsburg 11-0) 133 -- Tossaporn "Boyd" Suparat (AUG, 25-11) maj. dec. Lucas McGann (UWSP, 3-4) 9-1 (Augsburg 15-0) 141 -- No. 6 Jordan Kust (UWSP, 33-6) dec. Tom Kuehn (AUG, 21-15) 4-2 (Augsburg 15-3) 149 -- Ben Strobel (UWSP, 26-7) dec. Rashad Kennedy (AUG, 18-15) 5-1 (Augsburg 15-6) 157 -- Jamey Simmons (UWSP, 18-9) dec. Kurt Knutsen (AUG, 9-19) 7-3 (Augsburg 15-9) 165 -- Justin Bowland (AUG, 16-16) dec. No. 7 Jordan Schulte (UWSP, 21-8) 4-2 (Augsburg 18-9) 174 -- Bill Langford (UWSP, 12-5) dec. Quinten Strand (AUG, 9-15) 9-7 (Augsburg 18-12) 184 -- Andy Borchardt (UWSP, 16-14) dec. Noel Sweeney (AUG, 6-10) 5-2 (Augsburg 18-15)

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Five Cowboys were victorious in their matches and the University of Wyoming wrestling team won a closely contested conference dual Thursday over the Air Force Academy, 17-16. The 22nd-ranked Cowboys (9-6 overall, 4-1 Western Wrestling Conference) won their fifth-straight dual versus the Academy (10-4, 1-3 WWC), but had to fight off a scrappy Falcon squad until the last match. Despite losing, sophomore heavyweight Leland Pfeifer sealed the UW win when he gave up only a 12-6 decision with the Pokes leading 17-13 heading into the last match. UW finished the regular season in second place in the WWC dual standings at 4-1, trailing North Dakota State, which went 5-0. “I knew it would be really competitive and I knew there would be some toss-up matches,” UW head coach Mark Branch said. “I was surprised how some matches went – pleasantly on some and disappointed, obviously, on others.” Wyoming began the dual on a three-match winning streak, starting off with sophomore 125-pounder Tyler Cox winning his fourth match against a ranked opponent this season. Cox, ranked 19th, defeated AFA’s Josh Martinez, ranked 11th, in a 13-4 major decision. Senior Kasey Garnhart then was victorious in his final dual, beating Dylan Hyder of Air Force in a 6-2 decision at 133. Shortly after, Cowboy senior McCade Ford earned a takedown with just 36 seconds left in the match to win a 3-1 decision over Carter McElhany at 141. “After winning the first three matchups, I really thought we were in the driver’s seat (in terms of) how the dual would go,” Branch said. When Air Force responded with wins at the next three weights to tie it up at 10-all, senior L.J. Helbig went to work to earn a tough 7-4 decision at 174 pounds to give UW the narrow 13-10 lead. After a loss at 184, fourth-ranked senior Alfonso Hernandez completed an unbeaten dual season (13-0), winning a 14-4 major decision to give UW the 17-13 cushion heading into the final bout. UW will begin the postseason March 9, when the Cowboys host the WWC Championships/NCAA West Regional in Laramie, Wyo. Results: 125: No. 19 Tyler Cox (WY) maj. dec. No. 11 Josh Martinez (AF), 13-4 WY 4, AF 0 133: Kasey Garnhart (WY) dec. Dylan Hyder (AF), 6-2 WY 7, AF 0 141: McCade Ford (WY) dec. Carter McElhany (AF), 3-1 WY 10, AF 0 149: No. 3 Cole VonOhlen (AF) dec. Brandon Richardson (WY), 9-3 WY 10, AF 3 157: No. 16 Josh Kreimier (AF) maj. dec. No. 12 Andy McCulley (WY), 13-5 WY 10, AF 7 165: Jesse Stafford (AF) dec. Dakota Friesth (WY), 5-1 WY 10, AF 10 174: L.J. Helbig (WY) dec. Dan Barringer (AF), 7-4 WY 13, AF 10 184: Devin Hightower (AF) dec. Shane Woods (WY), 3-1 SV1 WY 13, AF 13 197: No. 4 Alfonso Hernandez (WY) maj. dec. Josh Mohr (AF), 14-4 WY 17, AF 13 285: Bentley Alsup (AF) dec. Leland Pfeifer (WY), 12-6 WY 17, AF 16

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- With Maryland trailing 12-11, fifth-ranked Josh Asper took the mat at Comcast Pavilion for the final time and recorded a pin with 28 seconds left to send the 24th-ranked Terps past George Mason for a 23-15 victory Thursday night. Asper's third fall of the season was fitting for the senior's final dual at Comcast Pavilion. Asper, the second winningest wrestler in program history, celebrated Senior Night with teammates Domenic DeRobertis, Brad Molina, Aaron Norris, Danny O'Malley and Ian Squires. DeRobertis and Norris also celebrated Senior Night with a victory. "Just to see [Asper's] development from his freshman year until now is great," said head coach Kerry McCoy. "To see how he is able to go out and snatch victories and get the job done is a credit to him. "I am really excited to have been able to coach all of these [seniors] over the last few years. They have all had a hand in our success in some way. When you become a part of our program, you are not just here to try and win a national championship. It's about being a part of a family." At 165, DeRobertis set the stage for Asper's fall. After Mason won three consecutive matches to take a 12-8 lead, DeRobertis earned a 5-2 decision over the Patriots' Ty Kneep to trim deficit to one. DeRobertis took control of the match in the second period as he turned Kneep for a 3-point near fall 20 seconds into the period. He added a point for an escape and riding time to finish off the win. Asper had little trouble with Mason's Seth Robertson. Asper scored six takedowns in three periods of action to take a commanding 16-3 lead. With the clock winding down, Asper powered Robertson to his back and pinned him at the 6:32 mark to put the Terps in front for good. Norris filled in for seventh-ranked Jimmy Sheptock at 184 and finished his Maryland career with a 7-3 decision over Derek Dwyer. Following Norris, 13th-ranked Christian Boley used a late takedown to earn a 3-1 decision over Matt Meadows at 197 and clinch a Terrapin win. The Terps stormed out of the gate to begin the dual with major decisions at 125 and 133. Paul O'Neill scored three takedowns in the first period and cruised to a 16-8 win over Rich Lavorato at 125. At 133, 12th-ranked Geoffrey Alexander used two takedowns and a 2-point near fall in the first period to distance himself from Zach Isenhour. Alexander won 12-3. The Terps have two weeks to prepare for the ACC Championships on Saturday, March 9, which will be held at the Comcast Center. Results: 125: Paul O’Neill (MD) maj. dec. Rich Lavorato (GM), 16-8 (4-0) 133: #12 Geoffrey Alexander (MD) maj. dec. Zach Isenhour (GM), 12-3 (8-0) 141: Sahid Kargbo (GM) fall over Brad Molina (MD), 2:55 (8-6) 149: Greg Flournoy (GM) dec. Danny O’Malley (MD), 2-1 (8-9) 157: Jaaziah Bethea (GM) dec. Ian Squires (MD), 10-5 (8-12) 165: Domenic DeRobertis (MD) dec. Ty Kneep (GM), 5-2 (11-12) 174: #5 Josh Asper (MD) fall over Seth Robertson (GM), 6:32 (17-12) 184: Aaron Norris (MD) dec. Derek Dwyer (GM), 7-3, (20-12) 197: #13 Christian Boley (MD) dec. Matt Meadows (GM), 3-1 (23-12) 285: Jake Kettler (GM) dec. Carl Buchholz (MD), 2-1 (23-15)

BLOOMSBURG -- The 16th-ranked Bloomsburg University wrestling ended its regular season with a 36-9 win over Binghamton University on senior night at the Nelson Field House. Before the match the Huskies honored its four seniors on this years' team, Dan Gaylord (Vestal, NY/Vestal), Chris Smith (Mineral, Va./Chancelor), Josh Roosa (Mountaintop/Crestwood) and Frank Hickman (Castle Hayne, NC/E.A. Laney). The Huskies won the first six matches of the evening racing out to a 27-0 lead before Binghamton finally got on the board. Bloomsburg's Sean Boylan (Seaville, NJ/St. Marks) got the night going with a win by fall with Nick Wilcox (Greene, NY/Greene Central), ranked 11th at 133, scoring a win by tech fall, 20-3, in 6:22. Matt Rappo (Holland/Council Rock South) followed with a win by decision at 141 before Josh Roosa (Mountaintop/Crestwood) won by major decision at 149 pounds. At 157 pounds, Hickman, ranked 12th, also won by major decision 16-3, with Kevin Hartnett (Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell) following with a tech fall win at 165. After the Bearcats scored wins at 174 and 184, Bloomsburg closed out the night with a win by decision from Andre Petroski (Glenn Mills/Springfield) and a forfeit win for Justin Grant (Easton/Easton). The Huskies improved to 17-3 on the year, while Binghamton falls to 5-13. The Huskies will now get ready for the EWL (Eastern Wrestling League) Championships to be held at Edinboro on March 9. Play-by-Play 125—Sean Boylan (Seaville, NJ/St. Marks) (BL) vs. Mike Sardo (BING)…Boylan opened the match with a takedown 20 seconds into action….Mike Sardo escaped with 2:12 left in the first period…Boylan with a takedown with 1:04 left to go up 4-1…Boylan starts down and escapes a few seconds in… Boylan leads 5-1 after two…Sardo chooses down to start third…Sardo let up by Boylan…Boylan with a quick takedown gets Sardo on his back. Boylan wins by fall in 5:46. 133—Nick Wilcox (Greene, NY/Greene Central) (BL) and Dylan Cohen (BING)…Wilcox with a takedown….Wilcox finally turns Cohen and gets a three-point near fall….Wilcox leads 5-0 after one….Wrestlers start neutral…Wilcox with a takedown followed by Wilcox letting Cohen up…Wilcox with a leg followed by a takedown at the edge of the mat...Wilcox lets the escape…Wilcox with another takedown, his third of the period…Wilcox turns Cohen and gets two point near fall…Wilcox lead 13-2 after two….Neutral to start…Wilcox gets a takedown at the edge of the mat…Cohen let up…Wilcox with takedown…Wilcox turns Cohen for two points. Wilcox wins by tech fall in 6:22, 20-3. 141—Matt Rappo (Holland/Council Rock South) (BL) and Joe Bonaldi ( BING)…Both wrestlers working at the head looking for an edge through the first two and a half minutes…A wild scramble at the end of the period results in a Rappo takedown and a 2-0 lead after one…Bonaldi down to start…Bonaldi with an escape for Binghamton…Rappo leads 2-1 after two…Rappo down to start…Rappo escapes to start the period… Bonaldi gets a takedown after a wild scramble…Bonaldi lets Rappo up…Rappo with a takedown…followed by three-point near fall. Rappo wins 9-3. 149—Josh Roosa (Mountaintop/Crestwood) (BL) vs Ben Price (BING)…Roosa with takedown 39 seconds into match…Roosa turns Price and gets two-point near fall… After a restart Roosa gets second, two-point near fall of the period…Roosa leads 6-0 after one period…Price chooses down to start…Price let out by Roosa…Roosa makes a quick move on a restart and gets takedown to go up 8-1…Stalling warning on Price…period ends with Roosa up 8-1…Neutral to start the third…Roosa with another takedown…Stalling warning on Price with Roosa being awarded a point (11-1)…With riding time of 5:04 Roosa wins 12-1. 157—Frank Hickman (Castle Hayne, NC/E.A. Laney) (BL) vs. Jack McKeever (BING)…Hickman with a takedown one second into match going for McKeever on the whistle…McKeever point when Hickman lets him up…Hickman with a takedown with a minute left in the match….Hickman leads 4-1 after one.. Neutral to start second…Hickman blocks move and takes down McKeever…McKeever escape…Hickman takedown…Hickman leads 8-2 after two..Neutral to start third…Hickman takedown followed by escape (let up) for McKeever…Hickman takedown…McKeever stalling warning on bottom…Hickman with three-point near fall (15-3)…With riding time Hickman wins 16-3. 165—Kevin Hartnett (Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell) (BU) vs. Brian Conrad (BING)…Hartnett with a quick takedown to start…Conrad with an escape...Hartnett with a second takedown…Hartnett gets a three-point near fall…followed by another three point near fall…two more near fall points (12-1)…ends the period up 14-1…Conrad down to start second…Conrad let up to start…Takedown Conrad….Hartnett escape followed by a takedown…Three point near fall with riding time. Harnett with riding time tech fall 3:53…20-4.. 174—Chris Smith (Mineral, Va./Chancelor) (BL) vs. John Paris (BING)…Paris with the early takedown…Smith with a reversal 24 seconds later to tie the score at 2-2..Paris with the escape followed by a takedown…Paris leads 5-2 after one…Smith down to start…Smith escapes to start the period…Smith gets Paris to the mat and gets the takedown…Paris with an escape followed by takedown for Paris to take an 8-5 lead..On the restart Smith gets to his feet but can't get out as the buzzer sounds…Paris down to start third…Smith lets Paris out to start…Paris with another takedown and now leads 11-5…Paris and Smith locked at the edge of the mat…Smith with a reversal…Price leads 11-7…Smith lets Price up…Smith the takedown with nine seconds left. Restart…Smith nearly turns Paris hangs on for win.. 184—Sam Shirey (Beaver Springs/Midd-West) (BL) vs. Cody Reed (BING)…Shirey with a takedown at the edge of the mat…Reed with the escape...Reed and Shirey at the edge of the mat…Scramble though results in no points…Shirey on restart able to get takedown at the edge of the mat…Shirey leads 4-1…Caution Reed on restart…Period ends with Shirey on top 4-1…Reed down to start…Reed escapes out eight seconds in…Period ends with Shirey up 4-2…Shirey down to start…Shirey escapes 16 seconds in to make it a 4-3 match…Reed with a takedown on the edge of the mat…Reed gets Shirey on his back…Finally pins Shirey in 6:35. 197—Andre Petroski (Glenn Mills/Springfield) (BL) vs. Caleb Wallace (BING)…Wallace with a takedown which he nearly turns into near fall points but wrestlers end up out of bounds…Petroski with the escape…Wallace with the takedown…Petroski with the escape…Wallace goes for a takedown that Petroski turns into his own takedown…Match tied at 4-4 after one period..Neutral to start second….After nearly the entire period locked up battle Wallace gets a takedown with 15 seconds left followed by a Petroski reversal with one second left…match tied at 6-6 after two periods…Petroski down to start…He quickly escapes…then works a takedown to lead 9-6…Wallace with a reversal followed by Petroski escape..Petroski leading 10-8…Petroski with a takedown with 20 seconds left in the match..Wallace let up…Petroski wins 12-9. 285—Bloomsburg's Justin Grant (Easton/Easton) wins by forfeit. Results: 125 Sean Boylan (Seaville, NJ/St. Marks) (Bloomsburg) won by pin over Mike Sardo (Binghamton) 5:46. 133 #11 Nick Wilcox (Greene, NY/Greene Central) (Bloomsburg) won by tech fall over Dylan Cohen (Binghamton) 6:22 20-3. 141 Matt Rappo (Holland/Council Rock South) (Bloomsburg) won by decision over Joe Bonaldi (Binghamton) 9-3. 149 Josh Roosa (Mountaintop/Crestwood) (Bloomsburg) won by major decision over Ben Price (Binghamton) 12-1. 157 #12 Frank Hickman (Castle Hayne, NC/E.A. Laney) (Bloomsburg) won by major decision over Jack McKeever (Binghamton) 16-3. 165 Kevin Hartnett (Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell) (Bloomsburg) won by tech fall over Brian Conrad (Binghamton) 3:53 20-4. 174 John Paris (Binghamton) won by decision over Chris Smith (Mineral, Va./Chancelor) (Bloomsburg) 12-9. 184 Cody Reed (Binghamton) won by pin over Sam Shirey (Beaver Springs/Midd-West) (Bloomsburg) 6:35. 197 Andre Petroski (Glenn Mills/Springfield) (Bloomsburg) won by decision over Caleb Wallace (Binghamton) 12-9. 285 #17 Justin Grant (Easton/Easton) (Bloomsburg) won by forfeit

The Big Ten Network has announced plans to provide complete live coverage of the 2013 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Dual Meet Championship through the Big Ten Digital Network online. The tournament, also known as "Mat Mayhem," will be hosted by the University of Minnesota this weekend, Feb. 22-23. Four of the eight competing teams are Big Ten squads: Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio State. All four programs rank in the nation’s top 10, according to the NWCA/USA Today/Amateur Wrestling News poll. Iowa is ranked at No. 2, Minnesota at No. 4, Ohio State at No. 5, and Illinois at No. 8. All four sessions of the two-day event will be showcased. Coverage will be split into three separate streams -- quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship match. Action will begin with the quarterfinals sessions at 6 p.m. CT and 8 p.m. CT. on Friday night. Winners will advance to compete on Saturday. For a full schedule, visit the National Duals webpage. Go directly to Gopher All-Access to subscribe.

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the National United Wrestling Association for Youth (NUWAY), the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) and USA Wrestling have volunteered to become the first organizations to join the newly created Coalition to Keep Wrestling in the Olympics. These four organizations which have significant wrestling memberships are working together on behalf of the sport. This new coalition will include any and all organizations who are willing to stand up and work together for a common goal, which is to insure that wrestling remains on the program of the Olympic Games. This is not an organization of individuals. There are other ways that private citizens can support this cause. This is geared entirely to organized groups willing to publically add themselves to the coalition. This will be a collection of groups of all sizes, including both non-profit and for-profit organizations, basically any organization which stands behind the effort to keep wrestling in the Olympics. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. NUWAY is approaching its fifth year as an organization and growing by popular demand across the country. The idealogy and values instilled in this true grassroots organization is to support all state organizations across the country. The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate wrestling programs. The membership embraces all people who are interested in amateur wrestling. USA Wrestling is the national governing body for amateur wrestling in the United States, and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the international wrestling federation FILA. USA Wrestling has a complete program of activities and events for its members who range from beginning athlete all the way through the Olympic Games and World Championships. "Wrestling has been around in the USA since the 1800's, and has been involved in the Olympic movement since its creation. This sport makes a difference in the lives of young people and has made a lasting impact on our society. We support the effort to keep wrestling in the Olympics, and look forward to helping lead the effort," said AAU President Henry Forrest. "NUWAY stands behind the effort to Keep Wrestling In The Olympics. As a grassroots organization which serves the wrestling community, we are pledged to do whatever is necessary to keep our great sport in the Olympic movement. We support the mission of the new coalition and will be actively involved in helping us win this battle," said NUWAY Executive Director and President Dave Dean. "There has never been a more important time in the history of our sport for wrestling to come together. We all want the same thing, keeping wrestling in the Olympic Games. We must all work together to achieve this," said Mike Moyer, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. "This fight will be won by bringing people together behind a common cause. Our grassroots leadership believes in this effort. We are committed to the combined power of organizations who are willing to work together. Together we are stronger. Together we will reach our goal of keeping wrestling in the Olympics," said USA Wrestling President James Ravannack. Any group is encouraged to join and be added to the growing list, no matter what its size or purpose. Corporations and business partnerships are encouraged to join. International, national or local non-profit organizations are welcome. Wrestling clubs and booster clubs are invited to be included. Groups which are not involved in wrestling but support the effort can be involved. It does not have to even be a group involved in sports at all. The members of this organization can be from the United States, or from any other nation on earth. The only requirement to become part of the coalition is to be a group willing to support the strategy which will lead to keeping wrestling on the Olympic program. Each organization must also be willing to provide a small minimum donation, which will be used exclusively on the effort. The minimum donation suggested for membership in the Coalition for Keeping Wrestling in the Olympics is $100 for national and international organizations, and $25 for local organizations. Obviously, larger donations are encouraged and welcomed. USA Wrestling will maintain a master list of organizations which have joined the coalition, which will be posted online. On a regular basis, there will be a story published recognizing the new organizations who have made the commitment. In order to join the coalition, a group must provide a contact name, email address and phone number, which will allow us to network together and execute the strategy. The donation can be made online: http://www.KeepWrestlingInTheOlympics.com The donation can be made by check, made payable to USA Wrestling and mailed to: USA Wrestling c/o Coalition to Keep Wrestling in the Olympics 6155 Lehman Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80918 The financial support will help fund all of the actions which together makes for a successful campaign. It will be used directly on projects such as public relations, international communication, research, education, promotional materials, networking and international travel for meetings with the IOC and members of national federations and national Olympic Committees. Additional projects will be developed by the leadership committee for this effort. Coalition membership will help keep this issue in the forefront and allow wrestling to make its case to the world. It will only be used for this project, not other wrestling programs. COALITION TO KEEP WRESTLING IN THE OLYMPICS (listed alphabetically as of February 21, 2013) Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National United Wrestling Association for Youth (NUWAY) National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) USA Wrestling New organizations will be added as received.

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- The nationally third-ranked Cortland wrestling team won the final three weight classes to earn a 22-16 win versus 13th-ranked Ithaca Wednesday night at Corey Gymnasium. With the win, the Red Dragons improved to 18-2 on the season and set a new school record for dual wins in a season. The Bombers fell to 7-6. Cortland led 6-0 after earning a forfeit win at 125 pounds. The Bombers took a 7-6 lead when nationally fourth-ranked sophomore Alex Gomez (Brentwood) recorded a 12-2 major decision at 133 pounds and junior Dominick Giacolone (Cato/Cato-Meridian) won 8-2 at 141 pounds. Cortland freshman Bobby Dierna (Webster/Wayne), ranked fourth at 149 pounds, built a 7-1 first-period lead en route to a15-4 major decision to give the Red Dragons back the lead at 10-7. At 157 pounds, sixth-ranked senior Derek Brenon (Watertown/Immaculate Heart) of Ithaca squared off against seventh-ranked senior Troy Sterling (Uniondale) of Cortland. Brenon used an early second-period escape and avoided a takedown late in the third period to earn a 1-0 decision. Tenth-ranked Cortland senior Jonathan Conroy (South Plainfield, NJ) battled back from an early 4-2 deficit and registered an 11-4 decision over Ithaca freshman Eamonn Gaffney (Florham Park, NJ/Seton Hall Prep) at 165 pounds, and the Red Dragons held a 13-10 lead with four weight classes remaining. In a matchup of second-ranked senior Jules Doliscar (Dix Hills/Holy Trinity) of Ithaca and fourth-ranked sophomore Lou Puca (Huntington) at 174 pounds, Doliscar earned an important pin at 3:28 for the Bombers to give them a 16-13 advantage. Leading 6-3 early in the second period, Doliscar turned a quick takedown into a fall. Cortland senior Will Parks (Shoreham/Longwood) recorded a key 7-3 win at 184 pounds to even the match at 16-16. At 197 pounds, nationally top-ranked Cortland senior Jared Myhrberg (Queensbury) scored the winning team points with a hard-fought 6-3 decision versus Ithaca junior Shane Bartrum (Oswego). In the concluding bout of the night, senior Corey James (Kingston) earned an exciting 2-1 decision over Ithaca junior Cris Ramirez (Bronx/Milton Hershey) to clinch the match. James registered a takedown in the first period before Ramirez recorded an escape in the second period. With both wrestlers in the neutral position in the third period, James was able to keep his feet to seal the win. Results: 125: Paul Fields (CORT) won by forfeit 133: Alex Gomez (ITH) major dec. Alec Dierna, 12-2 141: Dominick Giacolone (ITH) dec. David Occhipinti, 8-2 149: Bobby Dierna (CORT) major dec. Kevin Collins, 15-4 157: Derek Brenon (ITH) dec. Troy Sterling, 1-0 165: Jonathan Conroy (CORT) dec. Eamonn Gaffney, 11-4 174: Jules Doliscar (ITH) pinned Lou Puca, 3:28 184: Will Parks (CORT) dec. Dan Glinko, 7-3 197: Jared Myhrberg (CORT) dec. Shane Bartrum, 6-3 285: Corey James (CORT) dec. Cris Ramirez, 2-1

Springfield, Mass. -- The Springfield College wrestling team posted a 26-13 victory over visiting WPI on Wednesday evening in Blake Arena in the final dual meet of the season for the Pride. Springfield concluded its dual meet season with a 14-2 record, marking the second-straight season that head coach Jason Holder has led the Pride to 14 victories. The two losses is also the fewest losses for the program since the 1987 squad went 16-1. Springfield, which entered the evening ranked 10th in the nation, capped off the match in the final bout at 285 as Iraki Kakauridze delivered had the lone pin of the match in just 50 seconds. Derek Adams had a strong performance at 133, picking up a major decision by the score of 12-2, while Derrick Longo provided a major decision at 165, winning 14-4. Mark Gonzalez and Nick Camera added wins by decision, and Tommy Casper picked up a forfeit at 125. Springfield will now prep for the NCAA Northeast Regional Championships, which will be hosted on March 2-3 at WPI. Results: 125: Tommy Casper (S) wins by forfeit (6-0) 133: Derek Adams (S) major decision Brian Jennings (W), 12-2 (10-0) 141: Tyler Tilbe (W) dec. Mark Pinto (S), 8-1 (10-3) 149: Mike Perruccio (W) dec. Dylan Foley (S), 5-4 (10-6) 157: Mark Gonzalez (S) dec. Andrew Tanner (W), 4-2 (13-6) 165: Derrick Longo (S) major decision Justin Marsh (W), 14-4 (17-6) 174: Zach Hartzell (W) major dec. Mike Fish (S), 10-0 (17-10) 184: Nick Camera (S) dec. Joe Pizzuto (W), 3-2 (20-10) 197: Teddy Kostopoulos (W) dec. Andrew Balina (S), 6-1 (20-13) 285: Iraki Kakauridze (S) pinned Joseph Szerszunowicz (W), :50 (26-13)

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Duke University wrestling squad turned in a strong all-around performance to post a 22-9 victory at over Atlantic Coast Conference foe NC State this evening at Reynolds Coliseum. The Blue Devils captured seven individual bouts en route to their first ACC victory of the 2012-13 campaign. The win, just the third for Duke over the Wolfpack since NC State established varsity wrestling in 1975, pushes Duke’s overall record to 8-9 for the year and to 1-4 to finish the ACC regular season. NC State falls to 5-6 overall and 0-5 against ACC opponents. The nine points scored by NC State are the fewest since Duke held the Pack to just six points in a pair of bouts in 1931 and 1949. “This was a good win for us,” head coach Glen Lanham said. “We wrestled tough from start to finish. It was great for [Immanuel Kerr-Brown] to get back on the saddle and winning. Brandon Gambucci and Randy Roden both had great wins and overall I’m proud of how the guys wrestled hard tonight.” Duke got off to a fast start with victories in each of the first four matches, including an overtime thriller at 184 pounds, for a 14-0 lead. The Blue Devils picked up major decisions by Trey Adamson and Diego Bencomo at 174 and 197, respectively to earn key bonus points. The Wolfpack pulled within seven, 16-9, before redshirt freshman Marcus Cain put the match out of NC State’s reach with an 8-4 decision at 149 pounds. The win was Cain’s 21st of the season and the first of his career in the ACC. Sophomore Randy Roden put Duke on the right track with an outstanding win over No. 27 Nijel Jones at 165 pounds. The Rome, Ga., native scored the first jumped all over Jones from the opening whistle and took a 4-2 lead after the first period. Neither wrestler scored in the second period, leaving Jones needing to make up ground in the final stanza. Jones escaped to start the third, but Roden answered right back with a takedown and stayed strong on top for the 6-3 win, his seventh of the year and his first career ACC win. Riding the emotion of the upset win at 165, Adamson added four points to the scoreboard for the Blue Devils with a 15-5 major decision over Patrick Davis. In a rematch between the two from earlier in the season, Adamson dominated the match with four points in each of the first two periods and six in the final session to put Duke in front 7-0. In perhaps the most thrilling match of the evening, Duke redshirt freshman Dylan Ryan registered a takedown with just 16 seconds left in the sudden victory overtime session for the 9-7 triumph over Keegan Cerwinski at 184. After an escape by Cerwinski in the final seconds of regulation, Ryan regrouped and scored the winning takedown for his first ACC victory. At 197, Bencomo followed suit with a 16-5 major decision over Bill Cook. The win was Bencomo’s third straight at 197 and 14th win of the campaign. The Wolfpack got on the board with a narrow 5-3 decision from Mike Kosoy over Duke junior Brian Self at heavyweight. Both wrestlers were issued one-point unsportsmanlike penalties, putting the Blue Devils’ lead to 13-2 through the first half of the match. NC State added victories at 125 and 141 pounds, but the Blue Devils’ wins in the other three divisions iced the win for Duke. Redshirt sophomore Brandon Gambucci picked up a big win over No. 24 Sam Speno at 133 pounds. Gambucci, ranked 27th in the most recent NCAA coaches’ panel rankings, scored an early takedown and never let Speno a chance to score in the 5-0 decision. Kerr-Brown, with the match in hand, wrestled freely and hard to regain his winning ways in an 11-10 decision. The Rome, Ga., native led 10-6 after five minutes of wrestling and built his riding time to over two minutes heading into the final period. NC State’s Matthew Nereim scored an escape early in the third and added a takedown in the closing seconds, but the riding time bonus point gave Kerr-Brown the 11-10 decision. Duke returns to action Saturday, Feb. 23 at Franklin & Marshall. The Blue Devils will take on the host Diplomats at 9:30 a.m. and Lock Haven at 11:30 a.m. Results: 165: Randy Roden (DU) dec. No. 27 Nijel Jones (NCSU), 7-2 (DU 3-0) 174: Trey Adamson (DU) major dec. Patrick Davis (NCSU), 15-5 (DU7-0) 184: Dylan Ryan (DU) dec. Keegan Cerwinski (NCSU), 9-7: SV1 (DU 10-0) 197: Diego Bencomo (DU) major dec. Bill Cook (NCSU), 16-5 (DU14-0) 285: Mike Kosoy (NCSU) dec. Brian Self (DU), 5-3 (DU 13-2) 125: Joe DeAngelo (NCSU) major dec. Peter Terrezza (DU), 12-3 (DU 13-6) 133: No. 27 Brandon Gambucci (DU) dec. No. 24 Sam Speno (DU), 5-0 (DU 16-6) 141: Tyler Hunt (NCSU) dec. Tanner Hough (DU), 5-0 (DU 16-9) 149: Marcus Cain (DU) dec. Thomas Gantt (NCSU), 8-4 (DU 19-9) 157: Immanuel Kerr-Brown (DU) dec. Matthew Nereim (NCSU), 11-10 (DU 22-9)

LEXINGTON, Va. -- After a slow start, Appalachian State University rattled off four-straight victories en route to a 22-12 Southern Conference victory over VMI Wednesday night at Cocke Hall. The conference win moves the Mountaineers to 7-6 overall and 4-2 in league play, breaking a four-match losing streak and ensuring a winning conference record for the second consecutive season. Historically, Appalachian (7-6, 4-2 SoCon) claims its sixth-straight and 27th all-time victory in the long-standing rivalry against the Keydets. VMI (1-14, 1-4 SoCon) began the dual with two-straight decisions over freshman Zach Kechter and junior Collins Creech at 149 and 157 pounds, respectively, taking a quick 6-0 lead. Facing the deficit, redshirt freshman Zack Strickland gave the Mountaineers some life at 165 pounds. Strickland recorded his first technical fall since November, clinching a 17-0 win over Mike Logan at the 4:17 mark. The technical fall marks Strickland's 11th win in duals and 21st of the season. Following Strickland, classmate Colin Hedash broke his two-bout losing streak with a 14-6 major decision over John Dommert, a rematch from the Hokie Open. For Hedash, it was his third major decision of the season and first since the Keystone Open in November. Continuing his winning ways, sophomore Jake Johnson posted a 3-2 decision over Jonathan Jones at 184 pounds. Johnson has now won four of his last five bouts and remains perfect in SoCon bouts with a 4-0 record. Holding a 12-6 advantage, redshirt sophomore Paul Weiss also broke a two-bout losing streak with a 6-2 decision over Urayoan Garcia at 197 pounds. The decision was Weiss' 35th win for his career, the third most on the active roster. After a loss at the heavyweight division, redshirt sophomore Dominic Parisi earned his fifth major decision of the season, blanking Armondo Herrer-Dos Reis, 10-0, at 125 pounds. Parisi snaps a two-bout losing streak and notches his ninth dual-victory of the year. Senior Brett Boston closed the Mountaineer scoring with a 6-0 shutout against Andriy Onufriyenko, who dropped just his second loss in a conference dual this season. For Boston, the win was his eight of the season and the 51st of his career. Appalachian looks to head into the SoCon Championships with a winning overall record and close its 2012-13 dual season on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Davidson. Action from Belk Arena is set for 1 p.m. Results: 149: Zeb Stewart (VMI) dec. Zach Kechter (APP), 7-2 (VMI 3-0) 157: Edward Gottwald (VMI) dec. Collins Creech (APP), 6-0 (VMI 6-0) 165: Zack Strickland (APP) tech. fall Mike Logan (VMI), 17-0 (4:17) (VMI 6-5) 174: Colin Hedash (APP) maj. dec. John Dommert (VMI), 14-6 (APP 9-6) 184: Jake Johnson (APP) dec. Jonathan Jones (VMI), 3-2 (APP 12-6) 197: Paul Weiss (APP) dec. Urayoan Garcia (VMI), 6-2 (APP 15-6) 285: Michael LaPrade (VMI) dec. Joe Cummings (APP), 3-1 (APP 15-9) 125: Dominic Parisi (APP) maj. dec. Armondo Herrera-Dos Reis (VMI), 10-0 (APP 19-9) 133: Brett Boston (APP) dec. Andriy Onufriyenko (VMI), 6-0 (APP 22-9) 141: Ryan Goodsell (VMI) dec. Chris Johnson (APP), 4-2 (APP 22-12)

Come Friday and Saturday at Lehigh University, the National Prep Championships will yet again commence. While No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J., is extreme favorites to win their 33rd consecutive title in this tournament, and No. 3 Wyoming Seminary, Pa., should take second, there are many interesting individual battles to be waged. The following represents a weight-by-weight breakdown. 106: Entering the tournament as the favorite is No. 12 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian, Texas). The freshman Mueller placed second at the Preseason Nationals, fifth at the Walsh Ironman (including a win over No. 3 Austin Assad in the quarterfinals), and won the Prep Slam. Nominal challenges will be mounted by Matt Deehan (Blair Academy, N.J.); Logan Havrich (Cape Henry Collegiate, Va.), who placed eighth at the Beast of the East; Adam Whitesell (Good Counsel, Md.); T.K. Megonigal (McDonogh, Md.); and Joey Prata (St. Christopher’s, Va.), a Cadet National double All-American. 113: Charles Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.), last year’s runner-up in this weight class and a Cadet National freestyle runner-up this summer, enters the tournament as the favorite. Leading contenders include fellow National Prep runner-up Danny Boychuck (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), National Prep third place finisher Ryan Friedman (St. Paul’s, Md.), and Beast of the East placer Steve Simpson (St. Mary’s Ryken, Md.). 120: No. 2 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) enters the weekend prohibitively favored to add a National Prep title to the state title that he won in Ohio last year as a freshman. On the season, Kolodzik was runner-up at the Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East, and champion at the POWERade; while last off-season, he was a Cadet National freestyle champion. Leading the battle for second are impressive freshman Kevin Budock (Good Counsel, Md.), who placed seventh at the POWERade, and Will Crisco, a New England regional champion last year. 126: Two-time National Prep placer Judson Preskitt (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), who was also runner-up at this year’s Walsh Ironman, enters this event ranked No. 20 nationally and the favorite to win a maiden National Prep title. Leading the pack of challengers is two-time National Prep placer Jack Mutchnik (St. Paul’s, Md.); Zeke Salvo (Mt. St. Joseph, Md.), a state champion last year in Maryland’s public school tournament; returning placer Christian Doyle (McKinney Christian Academy, Texas); and Alex Rinaldi (Blair Academy, N.J.) 132: Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.), ranked No. 6 nationally, is a rather strong favorite to win his third National Prep title in as many seasons of competition even with the presence of No. 14 Andrew Atkinson (Liberty Christian Academy, Va.), a three-time National Prep placer. Two other returning National Prep placers are present, Geoff Verallis (Northfield Mt. Hermon, Mass.) and Scott Strappelli (John Carroll, Md.) 138: No. 5 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.), Oustanding Wrestler at the Beast of the East, enters the tournament as the strong favorite to ascend one step higher on the podium after last year’s runner-up finish. Among those in the challenge pack are two-time National Prep placer Xavi Ramos (McDonogh, Md.), returning placer David Mohler (Loyola, Md.), 2012 New England regional placer Jake Savoca (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), and Walker Dempsey (Blair Academy, N.J.) 145: This is an extremely deep weight, as it is anchored by Cadet National double finalist Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.), who is ranked No. 6 in the weight class below after a season that included runner-up finishes at the Ironman, Beast of the East, and POWERade. However, right on the same level as Manville is defending champion Jack Clark (McDonogh, Md.), who is ranked No. 14 in this weight class and was runner-up at the Beast of the East. Of slight relevance is that Clark earned a freestyle win over Manville at the FILA Cadet Nationals almost nine months ago. Four other National Prep placers are featured in this weight class as well: three-time placer George Weber (John Carroll, Md.), Junior Greco All-American Tyrel White (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), Michael Sprague (Georgetown Prep, Md.), and Cole Graves (Archbishop Spalding, Md.) 152: Just as deep a weight, in fact deeper, is this one led by defending champion Russ Parsons (Blair Academy, N.J.), who is No. 5 nationally after winning titles at the Walsh Ironman, Beast of the East, and POWERade during the month of December. Challengers include returning runner-up Toby Hague (McDonogh, Md.); two-time placer Bryce Pappas (St. Mary’s, Md.); along with returning placers Logan Breitenbach (Archbishop Spalding, Md.), Zack Kelly (The Kiski School, Pa.), Robert Janis (St. Christopher’s, Va.), Max Smith (MDAC, Md.), and William Crozier (Germantown Academy, Pa.) 160: One of the great showdown matches of the National Prep championships should come in this weight with No. 8 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.) and No. 10 Josh Llopez (St. Mary’s Ryken, Md.) anchoring the weight class. These two wrestlers split their two matches in December that reached completion – Llopez won in overtime at the Ray Oliver Invitational, while Martin scored a 1-0 victory in the semifinals at the Beast of the East. Martin was runner-up at National Preps last year as a freshman, and a Cadet freestyle runner-up over the summer; while Llopez is a two-time Maryland public-school champion, was a Junior National freestyle champion this summer, and Super 32 Challenge runner-up. Others in this weight class include returning placer Greg Bacci (Malvern Prep, Pa.), freshman sensation Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), and Jack Wedholm (Blair Academy, N.J.) 170: Defending champion Patrick Coover (Blair Academy, N.J.) enters the tournament as a slight favorite, with five other returning wrestlers looking to provide a challenge. Those being Troy Murtha (Georgetown Prep, Md.), who finished third in this weight last year and fifth in the Super 32 Challenge up at 182 pounds; Nicky Hall (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), a two-time state placer in New York; Conan Schuster (Loyola, Md.), fifth last year at National Preps; Trevor Bradford (St. Thomas, Texas), sixth last year in this event; and Terrell Forbes (St. Benedict’s, N.J.), who finished seventh last year in this event. 182: Already three-times a National Prep finalist, No. 1 Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) seeks a second consecutive National Prep title to go with the pair of runner-up finishes that he accrued as a freshman and sophomore. He is the strong favorite to add this title to a season resume that includes titles at the Walsh Ironman and Beast of the East. Primary challengers include Addison Knepshield (Blair Academy, N.J.), fourth at National Preps in 2011, and Tyler Patrick (McDonogh, Md.) 195: Defending champion Frank Mattiace (Blair Academy, N.J.), ranked No. 3 nationally, seems to make it a pair of National Prep titles to go with his pair of Walsh Ironman titles. He is the clear favorite to do so despite a solid group of alternatives that includes returning placer Spencer Neff (Good Counsel, Md.), who was third at the Super 32; Beast of the East placer Daniel Hawkins (Mt. St. Joseph, Md.); and additional returning placers in L.J. Barlow (Haverford School, Pa.) and Matt Doggett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) 220: Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.) has yet to lose a high school match and is after a third National Prep title in as many seasons. Ranked No. 1 in the country, he has had one match go the distance all year, a major decision victory over No. 3 Thomas Haines, and has arguably had the best season of any wrestler in the country. If one was to take Snyder out of this field, it would still be excellent. Those headline wrestlers include post-graduate McZiggy Richards (St. Benedict’s Prep, N.J.), David Showunmi (Blair Academy, N.J.), 2011 National Prep placer Shane Cockerlie (Gilman, Md.), Walsh Ironman placer Marshall Hollerith (St. Christopher’s, Va.), and No. 11 Garrett Ryan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), a Junior National double All-American. 285: Seeking a third National Prep title and fourth finals appearance is No. 2 Brooks Black (Blair Academy, N.J.). It is extremely likely he will wrestle No. 8 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) in a rematch of last year’s championship bout. Others to watch include Jemal Averette (Good Counsel, Md.)

Below are analyses for each of the thirty weight classes to be contested on Friday and Saturday in Albany, N.Y. in the two divisions of the New York State Wrestling Championships. This is the tenth year of the two division format, in a tournament that has been held now for fifty years. Division I 99: The opening weight of wrestling in the Empire State is not one that is part of the normal fourteen weight classes under NFHS rules. As is always the case, this weight class is dominated by younger wrestlers. Leading the crop this year is eighth grader Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton), who is ranked No. 6 overall nationally among junior high wrestlers. He has a tough road to the final with junior Chris Cuccolo (Pine Bush) in his quarter and sophomore Jesse Dellavacchia (East Islip) as a likely semifinal opponent. The other half of the draw is led by eighth grader Vito Arujau and freshman John Arceri (Huntington), who both exit the top quarter of the bracket. 106: Entering state as the top ranked wrestler is a senior, Alex Tanzman (Westhampton Beach). His primary challengers, juniors Kyle Quinn (Wantagh) and Nicholas Barbaria (New Rochelle) reside in opposite quarters of the other half of the draw. 113: The likely finals showdown between state champions Kyle Kelly (Chenango Forks) and No. 19 Nick Piccinnini (Ward Mellville) is the dominant storyline of this weight class, and arguably the whole state tournament weekend. The senior Kelly, who has committed to Binghamton, has won state the last two years at the opening weight. The sophomore Piccinnini won his state title last year at 106 pounds, and took third to Kelly in the eighth grade. In national competitions, Kelly has twice placed seventh in Junior Greco, while Piccinnini was one match away from placing at the FloNationals and Super 32 Challenge in the last twelve months. 120: The top two ranked wrestlers in this weight, junior Alex Delacruz (Ossing) and sophomore Mike Dangelo (Commack), are drawn into the same quarter bracket. In the other quarter of the same bottom half is the third-ranked wrestler, junior John Muldoon (Pearl River). The likely finals opponent will come from the second quarter of the draw, which features sophomores Blaise Benderoth (North Rockland) and Anthony Orefice (Lockport) along with junior Travis Passaro (Eastport). 126: Four key wrestlers lead the way here, and they are split into separate quarters of the draw. The top half features seniors T.J. Fabian (Shoreham-Wading River) and Mark West (Hauppauge), while the bottom half is led by senior Chris Araoz (Wantagh) and Dylan Realbuto (Somers). Fabian placed fourth at state last year, and was sixth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals; West has not appeared in the state tournament since his title in 2010; Araoz is in his state tournament debut, despite winning the NHSCA Junior Nationals last spring; while Realbuto is a defending state champion and two-time finalist. One name to watch going forward, if not this weekend, is seventh grader Frankie Gissendanner (Penfield), who is in the same quarter as Fabian. 132: The highest returning placer in this weight is senior Matt Leshinger (Sayville), who placed third at state last year. He will be challenged along the way with a likely quarterfinal against Connor O'Hara (Sachem East) and semifinal against Vinny Turano (Wantagh). The other half of the draw features Sam Melikian (Fordham Prep) and Brandon Lapi (Amsterdam) in opposite quarter brackets. 138: Two-time state placer and Junior freestyle All-American Nick Kelley (Shenendehowa) is the favorite in this weight class. He is well-positioned to make his first finals appearance after finishes of third and fourth the last two years. The two primary challengers to Kelley --Thomas Dutton (Rocky Point) and Vincent Deprez (Hilton) -- exit the opposite half of the draw in differing quarter brackets. The sophomore Dutton was a Cadet freestyle All-American last summer, while the junior Deprez finished as state runner-up last season. 145: The most accomplished wrestler in this weight class is two-time state placer David Almavia (Shenendehowa), who was also a Junior freestyle All-American this past summer. His path to a first state finals appearance will not be easy with senior Brandon Dent (Connequot) looming in the quarterfinal and 2010 state runner-up Eric Lewandowski (Lancaster) the likely semifinal opponent. The other half of the draw features junior Louis Hernandez (Mepham), who is the top-ranked wrestler, and Tom Grippi (Fox Lane). 152: Returning state finalis Corey Rasheed (Longwood), who also was runner-up at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals last spring, is the clear favorite in this weight class. His primary challengers are in the opposite half of the draw and happen to appear in the same quarter bracket. They are senior Chris Koo (Great Neck South), who was a NHSCA Junior All-American last spring, and junior Angelo Kress (Columbia). 160: Arguably the best wrestler in the Division I tournament is senior Tyler Grimaldi (Half Hollow Hills West), who is ranked No. 13 nationally at this weight class. Last year, he finished as a state runner-up, and during the offseason placed fourth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals and sixth in Junior freestyle. In terms of this weight class, his primary challenges will come in the quarterfinal round from junior Jake Weber (Clarence) and then in the final from either senior Andrew Psomas (Monsignor Farrell) or junior Steve Schneider (Macarthur). 170: Returning state placer Dan McDevitt (Wantagh), who finished fifth at both state and the NHSCA Junior Nationals in the 138 pound weight class, is the strong favorite here. Key matches for McDevitt will come in the quarterfinal against John Vrasidas (St. Anthony's), the semifinal against Joe Piccolo (Half Hollow Hills West), and a likely final against Carlos Toribio (Brentwood). 182: The clear favorite in this weight class is senior Shayne Brady (Carthage), who also placed eighth in the Super 32 Challenge. Five wrestlers merit mention as contenders. Senior James Benjamin (Vestal) is in Brady's quarter bracket, senior Gio Santiago (Sachem North) is Brady's likely semifinal opponent, senior James Corbett (Wantagh) is in the opposite half from Brady, while senior Anthony Liberatore (Williamsville South) and junior Trent Egenlauf (Spencerport) are in the remaining quarter of the draw. 195: As a returning state finalist, and already placing twice at state before his junior year, Reggie Williams (Johnson City) is the clear favorite in this weight class. The two ranked wrestlers in Williams' half of the draw -- seniors Chris Chambers (East Islip) and Steven Sabella (Yorktown) -- meet in the first round, but are in the other quarter of the half. The bottom half of the draw has four ranked wrestlers, two in each quarter: juniors Ben Honis (Jamesville Dewitt) and Levi Ashley (Shenendehowa) are slated to meet first round, while junior Nick Weber (Kings Park) and senior Colton Kells (Fairport) project to meet in the quarterfinals. 220: Returning state placer Nick Lupi (Huntington), fifth at state and fourth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals, is the clear favorite in this weight class. Two other notables in this weight are junior Richard Sisti (Monsignor Farrell) and senior Matt Mott (Lynbrook); Sisti is a possible semifinal opponent for Lupi, while Mott is in the opposite half of the draw. 285: Returning state finalist El-Shaddai Van Hoesen (Columbia), a two-time state placer, is the clear favorite in this weight class. The senior is also a two-time NHSCA All-American at the grade-level nationals. The second ranked wrestler statewide, senior Mike Hughes (Smithtown West) looms as a possible semifinal opponent, with a solid wrestler in junior James O'Hagan (Seaford) possibly the round before that. The opposite half of the draw is the weaker of the two, featuring only seniors David Varian (Yorktown) and Terrance Cheeks (Newburgh) as notables. Division II 99: Senior Andrew Flanagan (Holley) -- returning fourth place finisher -- appears to be the favorite in this weight class, as he is the only Division II wrestler inside the top eight of the statewide rankings done by New York Wrestling News. 106: Junior Louis Weierbach (Hoosick Falls) is the lone ranked wrestler in the statewide rankings present in this weight bracket. 113: Four highly credentialed wrestlers lead the way in this weight class, and each occupies a separate quarter of the draw. Senior Cheek Ndiaye (Brooklyn International) is a returning state runner-up, and is in the top quarter of the draw. The second quarter of the draw features another returning state runner-up in sophomore Nick Casella (Locust Valley), with notable sophomore Andrew Shomers (Lewiston Porter) also in this section of the draw. In the lower half of the draw, the third quarter has senior three-time state placer Austin Keough (Warsaw), who was runner-up as a freshman in 2010. Finally, the bottom quarter is anchored by senior Dillon Stowell (Gouveneur), a two-time state placer. 120: A rematch of last year's 113 pound final between junior Sean Peacock (Midlakes) and senior John Aslanian (Edgemont) is the likely outcome of this weight class. Peacock won state last year after placing third as a freshman, while Aslanian has finished as runner-up each of the last two years. 126: William Koll (Lansing) seems well positioned to regain the state title that he won as a freshman after finishing third at state last year. He is the highest ranked wrestler in this bracket, and the only other ranked wrestler is freshman Dakota Gardner (Fredonia), who Koll is likely going to see in the championship match. 132: Returning state runner-up Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer (Cheektowaga) is an extremely talented junior, ranked No. 20 nationally in this weight class, and after that missing state title. It looks like a potential classic matchup with sophomore Tristan Rifenburg (Norwich), already a three-time state placer with a state title coming in seventh grade, is the likely finals bout. However, Rifenburg will be tested in a likely semifinal against fellow sophomore Sam Ward (Locust Valley), a Cadet Greco-Roman All-American. 138: Like the Kelly/Piccinnini match at 113 pounds in Division I, the final in this weight class is likely to feature defending state champions battling for another state title. Senior Nick Tighe (Phoenix) is after a third state title, while senior Connor Lapresi (Lansing) seeks back-to-back state titles. 145: Returning state finalist, and two-time state placer, senior Drew Hull (Royalton-Hartland) is the strong favorite to get that elusive state title. However, Hull will likely have to clear past freshman Jordan Torbitt (Whitney Point) in the semifinal round and junior Nick Koelmel (Immaculate Conception) in the championship match. 152: It seems that the three best wrestlers in this weight class all reside in the top half of the draw. Weight class favorite Tyler Spann (Adirondack) is in the same quarter as junior Alex Smythe (Eden), who placed fifth at state as a freshman in 2011, while senior Rowdy Prior (Phoenix) is in the other quarter. 160: Arguably the best overall wrestler in New York this year resides in this weight class, No. 11 Burke Paddock (Warsaw), who is already a three-time state placer entering his junior year. Paddock is also a two-time finalist at the NHSCA grade-level nationals, and a multi-time Fargo All-American. In terms of this weight class, he should be tested in the semifinal against one of two seniors, Mike Beckwith (Greene) or Austin Weigel (Onteora), as well as in the finals match. The opposite half finalist will likely come from the winner of a quarterfinal bout between junior Tyler Silverthorn (General Brown), a returning state placer, and sophomore Nick Gallo (Schalmont). 170: Returning state placer Troy Seymour (Peru), fourth at state last year and a NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up, is the favorite in this weight class. However, freshman Christian Dietrich (Greene) will give him an extreme battle in a probable finals match. That presumes each gets past one key match before that -- for Dietrich it's a likely semifinal against senior Mike Green (Cobleskill-Richmondville), while Seymour could face senior Zack Buckley (Fredonia) in the quarterfinal round. 182: It looks like a pair of seniors whom have placed twice at state should meet for the state title on Saturday in this weight class. Defending state champion Zach Zupan (Canastota) is ranked No. 8 nationally and was a FloNationals placer last spring, while Tim Schaefer (Warsaw) placed third last year after placing fourth as a freshman in 2010. 195: Returning state runner-up Bryce Mazurowski (Avon), a senior, is the strong favorite to get that missing state title. 220: Returning state runner-up Zack Bacon (Hornell), a senior who is ranked No. 18 nationally, is the favorite in this weight class. However, three other wrestlers have had excellent seasons and will see to knock off this favorite. In the same half-bracket of the draw as Bacon is senior Michael Silvis (Holley), while junior Ryan Wolcott (Waverly) and senior Dan Breit (Nanuet) occupy opposite quarters of the other half of the draw. 285: Returning state placers Alex Soutiere (Ravena-Coeymans) and Matt Montesanti (Medina), both seniors, occupy the top line in each half of the draw and are likely to meet in the state final. Soutiere placed second at state last year, while Montesanti placed sixth.

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