InterMat Staff

Dan Dennis and Mike Moyer will go "On the Mat" this Wednesday, Feb. 8. "On the Mat" is a presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. The show can be heard live on the Internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Central on AM 1650, The Fan. An archive of the show can be found on www.themat.tv. E-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with any questions or comments about the show. Each week "On the Mat" will interview an Olympic wrestling hopeful leading up to the Olympic Trials in Iowa City on April 21-22. This week's interview is with Dan Dennis. Dennis, a member of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, will compete in the freestyle division at 132 pounds. He was a two-time All-American for the University of Iowa, placing seventh at the NCAA tournament in 2009 and second in 2010. Moyer is the executive director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. He will discuss the upcoming National Duals and its new format.

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University freshman Tanner Hough registered his team-best ninth pin of the season to help lead the Blue Devils wrestling team to a 22-13 victory over Gardner-Webb tonight at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The win is Duke's third consecutive this season and the 23rd overall win over the Bulldogs. "I think the energy from the last match at Davidson carried over into this match for our guys tonight," head coach Clar Anderson said. "Tanner Hough has been outstanding lately. He leads the team in wins and pins and we're really pleased with how well he's been wrestling recently." Duke dominated the match early on, jumping out to a 16-0 leads with wins in the first four bouts of the night. Hough and redshirt freshman Brandon Gambucci were the high scorers for the Blue Devils with a fall and a major decision, respectively. Redshirt senior A.J. Guardado continued his consistent performance with a narrow 3-2 decision at 149 pounds to improve to a team-best 8-1 in dual matches. Redshirt junior Peter Terrezza started the match with a 7-4 decision over Michael Slaughter at 125 pounds. Terrezza, leading 4-1 after the first period, used a reversal in the final seconds of the second session to pull away from Slaughter and pick up his 16th win of the year. Gambucci was outstanding at 133 pounds, posting a dominant 16-2 win over Jacob Reinemund. The Mansfield, Ohio native is now 18-8 overall and 3-3 in dual matches. His three most recent victories have all garnered bonus points for the Blue Devils. Hough, with a team-best 20-6 record on the year, needed just the first period to earn the pin over Robert Golde. He registered a two-point takedown in the first minute and then in the final seconds of the opening period he was able to get Golde on his back for his ninth pin of the year and his fifth in the first period. The winning continued for Duke at 149 pounds with Guardado. A winner in his previous five bouts, Guardado picked up right where he left off with a narrow one-point victory. He headed into the final period tied at two with Davante Andujar. Choosing down, Guardado needed just 14 seconds to get the escape for the win. The decision was his 18th win of the year and marked his sixth by four or fewer points. Gardner-Webb posted victories at 157 and 165 pounds to make it a 16-7 match, but freshman Randy Roden clinched the victory for Duke with a crucial 5-1 decision at 174 pounds. The second period proved to be decisive as Roden picked up a reversal and a two-point nearfall to go in front 4-0 after a scoreless first three minutes. He added the final point for riding time to earn his 13th win of the year. After the Bulldogs grabbed a 7-3 decision at 197 pounds over Duke's Brian Self, Duke junior Robert Mello put forth a strong effort at heavyweight. Wrestling up a weight class, Mello lost a heartbreaking 7-6 decision with a last-second takedown against Justin Kozera. Duke returns to action, Sunday, Feb. 12 at ACC rival Maryland at 1 p.m. Results: 125 - Peter Terrezza (DU) dec. Michael Slaughter (GW), 7-4 (3-0) 133 - Brandon Gambucci (DU) major dec. Jacob Reinemund (GW), 16-2 (7-0) 141 - Tanner Hough (DU) pinned Robert Golde (GW), 2:59 (13-0) 149 - A.J. Guardado (DU) dec. Davante Andujar (GW), 3-2 (16-0) 157 - Alex Medved (GW) major dec. Immanuel Kerr-Brown (DU), 11-3 (16-4) 165 - Justin Guthrie (GW) dec. Ryan Harding (DU), 6-4 (16-7) 174 - Randy Roden (DU) dec. Erin O'Dell (GW), 5-1 (19-7) 184 - Diego Bencomo (DU) dec. Jason Porter (GW), 13-7 (22-7) 197 - Travis Porter (GW) dec. Brian Self (DU), 7-3, (22-10) 285 - Justin Kozera (GW) dec. Robert Mello (DU), 7-6 (22-13)

DAVIDSON, N.C. -- The Davidson wrestling team extended its winning streak to three with a pair of victories over Anderson (37-9) and St. Andrews (33-9) in a tri-meet Tuesday night in Belk Arena. St. Andrews (4-8) defeated Anderson (4-21), 35-15, in the first match of the evening. Matt Zarth (125 pounds), Anthony Elias (133), Ben Hartshorn (141), Tyler Mullen (165), Ian Solcz (174) and Chris Cirenza (184) went undefeated on the night to lead the Wildcats (3-11). Davidson won six of the contested bouts against Anderson and earned two victories via forfeit. The Wildcats then took the first eight bouts against St. Andrews before dropping the 197-pound bout and forfeiting at heavyweight. Zarth opened the match against Anderson with an 11-4 decision, and Elias and Hartshorn followed with back-to-back pins in 1:08 and 3:49, respectively, to give Davidson an early 15-0 lead. Anderson battled back as Dan Telhada scored a 6-0 decision at 149 pounds and Nicholas Giulliette scored a pin at 157 pounds, closing the gap to six points, but Davidson claimed the five remaining bouts. Mullen scored a 10-2 major decision and Solcz shutout Bryan Glace 6-0 to give the Wildcats a 22-9 advantage. Cirenza took a forfeit at 184 pounds before Isola scored a 10-5 decision at 197. Scott Patrick then claimed the heavyweight bout by forfeit for the final 37-9 margin. Davidson claimed bonus points in each of the first four bouts against St. Andrews to get off to a fast start. Zarth earned a major decision with a 9-0 shutout win and Elias claimed 133 by forfeit. Hartshorn scored late to take a 16-6 major decision at 141 and freshman Kevin Birmingham scored a win by fall in just 2:14 for an early 20-0 lead. Sophomore CT Talevi battled to a 6-3 decision over Nicholas Sauceda at 157 and Mullen claimed his second major decision of the night at 165. Solcz battled to the end at 174 to hang on to a 6-5 decision over Bryan Glace, and Chris Cirenza nearly scored a major decision over Joshua Price at 184, but yielded a late takedown and settled for a dominant 11-4 decision. Greg Pattis averted the shutout with a 14-7 decision for St. Andrews at 197, and Davidson forfeited at heavyweight for the final 33-9 margin. Davidson has just three dual meets remaining before the SoCon Championship tournament, which will be held on March 3 in Chattanooga, Tenn. The ‘Cats will host The Citadel on Saturday and Gardner-Webb on Thursday, Feb. 16 before concluding the regular season Sunday, Feb. 19 at Appalachian State at 3 p.m. St. Andrews 35, Anderson 15 125: Eric Brown (S) pinned Cory Monteforte (A), 2:20 133: Keenan Simmons (A) won by forfeit 141: Sterling Perry (S) dec. Ian Harper (A), 7-2 149: Dan Telhada (A) dec. Kody Getkin (S), 8-2 157: Nick Giuliette (A) pinned Nick Sauceda (S), 5:00 165: Luke Gregory (S) pinned Dalton Harper (A), 3:47 174: Steffan Baker (S) major dec. Bryan Glace (A), 16-3 184: Joshua Price (S) won by forfeit 197: Greg Pattis (S) major decision Jordan Denmark (A), 11-3 285: Justin Hoover (S) won by forfeit Davidson 37, Anderson 9 125: Matt Zarth (D) decision Cory Monteforte (A) 11-4 133: Anthony Elias (D) pinned Keenan Simmons (A) 1:08 141: Benjamin Hartshorn (D) pinned Ian Harper (A) 3:49 149: Dan Telhada (A) decision Kevin Birmingham (D) 6-0 157: Nicholas Giulliette (A) pinned Dan Hagemann (D) 4:26 165: Tyler Mullen (D) major decision Dalton Harper (A) 10-2 174: Ian Solcz (D) decision Bryan Glace (A) 6-0 184: Christopher Cirenza (D) won by forfeit 197: Eddie Isola (D) decision Jordan Denmark (A) 10-5 285: Scott Patrick (D) won by forfeit Davidson 33, St. Andrews 9 125: Matt Zarth (D) major decision Eric Brown (S) 9-0 133: Anthony Elias (D) won by forfeit 141: Benjamin Hartshorn (D) major decision Sterling Perry (S) 16-6 149: Kevin Birmingham (D) pinned Patrick Wells (S) 2:14 157: CT Talevi (D) decision Nicholas Sauceda (S) 6-3 165: Tyler Mullen (D) major decision Luke Gregory (S) 11-2 174: Ian Solcz (D) decision Steffan Baker (S) 6-5 184: Christopher Cirenza (D) decision Josh Price (S) 11-4 197: Greg Pattis (S) decision Eddie Isola (D) 14-7 285: Justin Hoover (S) won by forfeit

Junior Jordan Thome and sophomore Ryan Bilyeu recorded pins, and four other Black Knights won bouts as the Army wrestling team defeated Bucknell, 27-12, in an EIWA dual match Tuesday evening inside Gillis Field House. Army, which has won five consecutive dual matches, improves to 8-5 (5-1 EIWA). Bucknell, meanwhile, dropped its fourth straight dual match and sees its record dip to 3-15 (2-3 EIWA). "It feels great to win," said Army head coach Joe Heskett. "It was nice to watch these guys execute on the mat and do the things that they're working on. There are a lot of good things to take away and build off of as we approach the end of the season." Bucknell assumed an early 3-0 advantage in tonight's contest after Austin Miller took a 13-7 decision from Army freshman Scott Filbert in the 125-pound matchup. Miller fell behind Filbert, 2-0, early in the first period before taking control of the bout. The Black Knights quickly erased their deficit, however, as Thome pinned Shawn Armato in two minutes, 45 seconds at 133 pounds. Thome's pin, which got the crowd into the match, helped Army seize a 6-3 lead. The Bison knotted the score at 6-6 following Derrik Russell's 4-1 victory over Army sophomore Tyler Rauenzahn in the 141-pount bout. Russell trailed 1-0 at the beginning of the third period before recording an escape and a takedown to assume a 3-1 edge midway through the final stanza. He added an additional point for riding time to account for the final margin. Army responded once again in the 149-pound matchup as Bilyeu pinned Alex Pellicciotti in 2:48. The second-year grappler took Pellicciotti to the mat and refused to let him back up. The Black Knights extended their advantage to 15-6 as senior co-captain Jimmy Rafferty earned a hard-fought 12-10 decision opposite John Regan at 157 pounds. Rafferty trailed 7-3 after the second period before a furious third-period rally knotted the score at 10-all following regulation time. The Haddon Heights, N.J., native capped his comeback by taking Regan to the mat late in the first sudden victory period. "It's a great feeling to get a win, especially on Senior Night," said Rafferty. "It was my last chance to wrestle at home, and I love it. You always want to go out and win and do your best, and I was proud to represent my teammates tonight." Bucknell inched to within 15-9 after Corey Lear slipped past Army freshman Cole Gracey in the 165-ound bout. Gracey led 3-2 entering the third period, but Lear scored a two-point reversal midway through the final frame to earn the victory. The Bison trimmed the Black Knights' lead to 15-12 as Bucknell's Stephen McPeek's secured a 6-2 win versus Army junior Collin Wittmeyer at 174 pounds. The bout was tied at 2-2 after two periods, but McPeek dominated the final stanza en route to the victory. That was as close as Bucknell would get, though, as Army won the final three weights to seal the victory. Army senior Michael Gorman pushed the Black Knights' lead to 18-12 by taking a 5-1 decision from Jamie Westwood in the 184-pound bout. Gorman held a tenuous 1-0 edge following the first two periods, but reeled off a pair of takedowns in the final frame to earn the win. Fellow senior Derek Stanley clinched the match for Army by defeating Tyler Lyster, 6-3, in the 197-pound match. The fourth-year wrestler parlayed a pair of takedowns and a two-point reversal into the victory, which gave the Black Knights an insurmountable 21-12 cushion. Senior Daniel Mills was awarded a win by forfeit in the heavyweight bout to cap the scoring. "I couldn't be more proud of Michael, Derek and Daniel," said Rafferty of his fellow seniors. "They are closer friends than I could have ever dreamt of, and I'm just so happy that we were able to come out here tonight and beat Bucknell. To do it on Senior Night in front of our families was really special." Army returns to action on Friday, Feb. 17, when the Black Knights travel to Annapolis, Md., to face arch-rival Navy. The annual Star Match is set to get under way at 7:30 p.m. Match Notes: Army's all-time record versus Bucknell improves to 9-2 ... tonight's victory snapped the Black Knights' two-match losing skid to the Bison ... it marks Army's first victory over Bucknell since Nov. 24, 2008, and first home win over the Bison since Nov. 20, 2007 ... Army's eight wins this season are the most since the 2008-09 team compiled a 10-6-2 overall mark ... the Black Knights' five EIWA victories this season are the most since the 2007-07 squad piled up six conference wins ... Army's seniors were honored prior to tonight's match in a special Senior Night ceremony ... the Black Knights started four seniors this evening, and the quartet combined to post a perfect 4-0 mark ... Jordan Thome recorded his 11th pin of the season, moving into a tie for 14th place on Army's single-season list ... it also marked his 26th career pin, moving him into sole possession of 10th place on the Black Knights' all-time ledger ... Tyler Rauenzahn made his dual match debut in this evening's contest ... Ryan Bilyeu's pin was the first of his career ... Thome and Jimmy Rafferty are tied for the team lead with 23 wins apiece ... Rafferty paces the team with 10 dual match victories ... Rafferty's 23 wins are a new single-season career best ... Cole Gracey saw his 12-match win streak snapped ... it marked Gracey's first loss since Jan. 1, 2012, at the Southern Scuffle ... Collin Wittmeyer made his first appearance since wrestling at the Northeast Duals on Nov. 26, 2011 ... Michael Gorman has won nine of his last 12 bouts ... Derek Stanley has won four straight matches and nine of his last 11 bouts ... Daniel Mills has won three straight bouts and six of his last seven matches since beginning the season 0-9. Results: 125: Austin Miller (B) dec. Scott Filbert, 13-7 133: Jordan Thome (A) pinned Shawn Armato, 2:45 141: Derrik Russell (B) dec. Tyler Rauenzahn, 4-1 149: Ryan Bilyeu (A) pinned Alex Pellicciotti, 2:48 157: Jimmy Rafferty (A) dec. John Regan, 12-10 (sv1) 165: Corey Lear (B) dec. Cole Gracey, 4-3 174: Stephen McPeek (B) dec. Collin Wittmeyer, 6-2 184: Michael Gorman (A) dec. Jamie Westwood, 5-1 197: Derek Stanley (A) dec. Tyler Lyster, 6-3 285: Daniel Mills (A) wins by forfeit

PHILADELPHIA -- Freshman Jimmy Morris (Northport, NY/St. Anthony's) won by fall to give Rider a come-from-behind Colonial Athletic Association victory at Drexel Tuesday night. "Jimmy Morris is the real deal," said Rider head coach Gary Taylor. "He's like an ice man. He's got a lot of composure, unbelievable composure for a freshman." Named the CAA Rookie of the Week today for the second time, Morris needed a major decision or a fall or Rider (9-7, 3-1 CAA) would have lost the match. "He's the perfect guy to have as your last wrestler because of his composure and he has unbelievable confidence right now." The victory was the eighth in a row for Morris, who improved to 11-5 on the season, 3-0 in the CAA. "He just continues to keep getting better." For Rider, sophomore James Brundage (Ossining, N.Y./Ossining) won a major decision at 165 to give Rider a 7-6 lead. "James did what he needed to do," Taylor said. Brundage was supposed to face the top 165 in the CAA, 12th ranked Joe Booth, but Booth was sidelined with an injury. "We had two guys out with injuries and they had one, so it was a bit of a trade off there," Taylor said. Junior Zac Cibula (Luxemburg, Wis./Luxemburg Casco), the 2011 CAA Championship Most Outstanding Wrestler, won at 149 to tie the score at 3-3. "Zac looked a lot sharper," Taylor said of Cibula, who has only wrestled twice since December due to injuries. "His timing is coming back and you could see he is more comfortable out there." Freshman Clint Morrison (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cedar Cliff) won at 184 to give Rider a 10-9 lead. "It was an overall good team effort," Taylor said. Sophomore Chuck Zeisloft (Woodbury Heights, N.J./Gateway) won at 125 to cut the lead to 15-13 but had a team point deducted. "The kid escaped with two seconds left (preventing Zeisloft from getting a major decision) and Chuck decided to scream and the official rightfully took away a team point," Taylor said. "We will be discussing that at great length. The match could have come down to that." Rider defeated Drexel 19-18 in a non-CAA dual in January at the Virginia Duals. Rider and Drexel have now met 37 times since the series began in 1970-71 with Rider winning 29, including the last six. The last time Drexel (6-9, 1-4 CAA) defeated Rider was during the 2006-07 season. The match was delayed over an hour as the teams waited for an official to show up. Rider hosts Columbia Saturday at 6pm. "Columbia has a pretty good team so we'll work hard and try to get ready for them," Taylor said. 141 Frank Cimato-D dec. Jeremy Minich-R 9-3 0-3 149 Zac Cibula-R dec. Shane Fenningham-D 6-0 3-3 157 Austin Sommer-D dec. Ramon Santiago-R 5-4 3-6 165 James Brundage-R major dec. Brendan Sebera-D 15-5 7-6 174 Alex Rinaldi-D dec. Brandon Lintner-R 5-3 7-9 184 Clint Morrison-R dec. Nick Becattini-D 9-4 10-9 197 Brandon Palik-D dec. Donald McNeil-R 3-2 10-12 285 Kyle Frey-D dec. Evan Craig-R 7-0 10-15 125 Chuck Zeisloft-R Franco Ferraina-D 12-5 12*-15 133 Jimmy Morris-R wbf Josh Yurasits-D 5:48 18-15 *team point deducted for unsportsmanlike conduct

Related Link: Brackets Cornell, Iowa, Minnesota and Oklahoma State all earned number one seeds for their respective regions as brackets are released for the NWCA Cliff Keen National Duals Presented by Hibiclens and The Marines. The only Mat Mayhem Regional that will compete on Saturday, Feb. 11, will be held at Rutgers University. The first two matches that will face-off in the 2012 Mat Mayhem Series will be No. 5 Rutgers vs. No. 4 Kent State and No. 3 Missouri vs. No. 6 Cal Poly. The winners of those matches will meet up with No. 1 Minnesota and No. 2 Michigan respectively. The other three regional tournaments will take place on Sunday, February 12th, at Cornell, Iowa State and Oklahoma State. Cornell the returning NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals Champion comes in as the No. 1 seed in the Mat Mayhem Regional that they are hosting. They will wrestle the winner of No. 5 Purdue and No. 4 Central Michigan. On the bottom side of the bracket No. 2 Illinois will compete against either No. 3 Oklahoma or No. 6 American. Wrestling at Iowa State University, the No. 1 seed will be the Iowa Hawkeyes, they will wrestle against the winner of No. 4 Virginia Tech vs. No. 5 Northern Iowa. Taking on the No. 2 seeded Oregon State will be the winner of No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 6 Wisconsin. Currently ranked No. 1 in the NWCA/USA Today Division I Coaches Poll Oklahoma State also takes the No. 1 seed this Sunday. They will host the winner of the No. 4 Wyoming and No. 5 Chattanooga matchup. Rounding out the rest of the bracket is No. 2 Nebraska who will compete against the winner of the No. 3 Ohio State and No. 6 Boise State matchup. Each region is seeded one through six and teams will wrestle according to seed. Each site is set to compete in three rounds on two mats. In the final round, the teams who lost in the first round will wrestle a second match alongside the Championship Final. To view the Mat Mayhem Teams national rankings visit the NWCA/USA Today Division I Coaches Poll released on Feb. 7, 2012. For more tournament information: ticket prices, times, and brackets visit our website http://www.nwcaonline.com/NWCAWebSite/Events/nwcanationalduals/mat-mayhem. At the conclusion of the Mat Mayhem Regional weekend, the Mat Mayhem Finals location will be announced. Click here to view the brackets.

Central Dauphin's Tyson Dippery attempts to escape from Blair Academy's Mark Grey (Photo/Rob Preston) All recap items use rankings from the previous week (team from Feb. 1, individual from Jan. 11), while preview items use the newly updated team and individual rankings. Drive for Five: Central Dauphin looking for unprecedented championship Starting on Thursday afternoon, No. 25 Central Dauphin, Pa., will be after an unprecedented fifth consecutive PIAA Class 3A dual meet championship. In addition, the Rams will be seeking to further extend their state record of 93 consecutive dual meet victories, last losing in January 2008 to Cumberland Valley, Pa. However, it won't be easy with the presence of defending state traditional champion Canon McMillan, who is ranked fifth in the country. Despite the absence of two-time state finalist Conner Schram (120), who is ranked No. 9 nationally, the Big Macs beat the Rams by more than 60 points at the POWERade in late December. Should the squads win a pair of matches beforehand, they would meet late Friday in the semifinal round. It is highly likely this matchup will occur, though both teams will have a nominal opening round test before a less competitive quarterfinal. Canon McMillan is looking at a match with Parkland first round, before a quarterfinal against either Delaware Valley or DuBois; while Central Dauphin has an opening round match with Norristown, before a likely quarterfinal against LaSalle College (presuming a victory over Jersey Shore in the first round). In the other half of the draw, No. 30 Easton would be considered the favorites to appear in a second consecutive final. They are looking at a first round match against Big Spring, a quarterfinal against Erie McDowell or North Allegheny, and a semifinal against most likely Owen J. Roberts or Mechanicsburg. In Class AA, No. 12 Bethlehem Catholic is after a second consecutive Class 2A championship, and would appear to be solid favorites. The Hawks are looking at a likely rematch from last year's final against Fort LeBoeuf in the quarterfinal round as the biggest challenge in their half of the draw. The other half of the draw seems likely to come down to a semifinal between Pen Argyl (assuming they get past Burrell in the opening round) and Boiling Springs (presuming they get past an opening round match against Reynolds). Class AAA Bracket: http://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/2012_PIAA_AAA_TW_Brax.pdf Class AA Bracket: http://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/2012_PIAA_AA_TW_Brax.pdf Blair Academy emerges with victory in Buckeye State road trip No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J., made their way to No. 8 St. Paris Graham, Ohio, for a dual meet this past Saturday evening. Despite having three nationally ranked wrestlers fall to defeat (two of them in upset fashion), the nation's top team still won eight matches in a 35-19 victory. Key to the result were tossup victories in the opening two matches from freshmen Jordan Kutler (106) and Chaz Tucker (113) against their fellow Class of 2015 opposition; Kutler with a 5-0 victory over Eli Stickley, while Tucker upended Eli Seipel 5-3. The Falcons countered those two decisions with decisions of their own at 120 and 126 pounds. At 120, it was No. 5 Ryan Taylor upending No. 3 (at 113) Joey McKenna by a 4-2 score, while Micah Jordan earned the 8-5 victory at 126 over No. 15 Max Hvolbek. Then, as expected, Blair Academy came back with wins in the next two matches, although the margins were closer than expected -- No. 2 Mark Grey earned a 13-3 major decision over Nate Henkle at 132, while No. 4 Todd Preston upended Chase Crabtree 10-4 at 138. Graham answered that 13-6 deficit with a trio of consecutive wins to take a 16-13 lead through nine matches. No. 13 Blake Kastl upset No. 9 Dylan Milonas by a 7-3 score at 145 pounds, No. 1 Bo Jordan upended Russ Parsons by major decision, and No. 4 Isaac Jordan defeated Patrick Coover 6-2. Blair Academy reclaimed the lead with an 11-2 major decision from Addison Knepshield at 170, while Huston Evans answered back with a 6-1 decision victory over Michael Mocco at 182 to give the Falcons a 19-17 lead heading into the last three matches. Frank Mattiace, ranked No. 15 nationally, would give Blair the lead for good with a pin at 195 pounds, while Graham forfeited the evening's last two matches to give top-ranked Blair the remaining margin of victory. Group time in the Garden State The dual meet state championships, which are being conducted this week, mark the traditional conclusion of the regular season for programs in New Jersey that are members of the state athletic association. The group championships, which started on Monday with preliminary matches, feature the 24 of the best teams in each of four public-school classifications and 12 in the two non-public classifications. Semifinals in each of the sections (four sections for public schools, and two for non-public) are tonight, with sectional championships on Friday night. The championships will be held on Sunday at Toms River North. Semifinals in the public school events are at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with championship matches in all six classifications at either 3:30 p.m. or 6:00. Ranked first overall in the state by The Star-Ledger, and No. 39 nationally by InterMat, Jackson Memorial enters the Group 4 (big-school) tournament as a very slight favorite. The Jaguars are undefeated in dual meets this year, but have been tested a few times this year. This includes by probable Central Section finals opponent Brick Memorial, which is ranked sixth statewide and lost 35-24 to Jackson Memorial (8 matches to 6) in late December. However it was the Jaguars that went 3-1 in matches decided by two points or less. However, in order to reach Friday's final, the Mustangs will have to replicate their 34-24 victory over ninth-ranked Howell from eleven days prior in the Shore Conference Tournament final. Fourth-ranked Southern Regional gave Jackson their toughest test of the season, winning eight of the fourteen weight classes three weeks ago but losing the dual meet 27-26. They are the favorites in the South section of Group 4. Eighth ranked Phillipsburg is the likely champion of the North 2 sectional, though they will have to navigate a pair of ranked teams to reach Sunday's competition -- North Hunterdon tonight, and most likely Watchung Hills on Friday. Morris Knolls is the highest ranked team in the North 1 section, clearly the weakest of the four in Group 4. Group 3 is anchored by the state's other nationally ranked team South Plainfield, which is No. 38 in the InterMat rankings and third in the state rankings. They are prohibitive favorites to advance through the North 2 section, with a match tonight against Nutley and then most likely facing Warren Hills on Friday night. The Tigers have reached the state final the last two years, but in each year they have barely escaped a match with Timber Creek along the way. However, this year the teams met at the Virginia Duals in mid-January, with South Plainfield winning 52-10 in a dual meet that got out of hand quickly aided by the Tigers 4-0 record in matches decided by two points or less. Timber Creek is favored to advance out of the South section, though they will most likely have to beat a ranked Torms River South squad on Friday night. Tenth ranked Ocean Township is the favorite to advance out of the Central section, while either Paramus or Northern Highlands is the likely team out of the North 1 section featuring no state-ranked teams. Moving down from Group 3, where they won state last year on the way to being named the top team overall in New Jersey, High Point is free of expectation in Group 2 after losing the core of the roster that was so successful the last few years. However, they are the clear favorites to advance to Sunday's final four from the North 1 section. Overall, the group is wide open for any team to win it. The highest ranked teams are (in order), Delsea Regional, Delaware Valley, and Voorhees; they exit the south, central, and north 2 sections respectively. Bound Brook, ranked 12th, is the lone team in The Star-Ledger top 20 among those in the Group 1 field. They are prohibitively favored to advance to the final four on Sunday from the Central section. Perennial champions Paulsboro yet again should clear the south section. The three teams ranked directly behind Bound Brook in Group 1 are all in the North 1 section -- Emerson Boro, Pequannock and Kittatiny -- while Hanover Park leads the field in North 2. St. Peter's Prep appears to be the favorite in Non-Public A. They are ranked second in the state by The Star-Ledger, but have a challenging north section bracket to navigate. Tonight's semifinal is against Don Bosco Prep, while the opposite semifinal features seventh-ranked Bergen Catholic and eleventh-ranked Delbarton. All four teams placed a pair of wrestlers in the mid-December Beast of the East. If healthy, which Bergen Catholic has not been much of the year, they might have the best lineup in the whole state. Finally, it is the Non-Public B group, which has been the perennial domain of Camden Catholic. They are again favored. Most likely, they'll have Bishop Ahr in Friday's sectional final and DePaul Catholic in Sunday's championship match. Back-half domination for Tulsa Union in the Sooner State showdown The two best teams in the Sooner State battled it out on the mats this past Thursday, as No. 18 Tulsa Union, Okla., traveled to No. 17 Broken Arrow, Okla., for a dual meet. Through eight matches (285 to 145), it was a very competitive dual, with Tulsa Union holding a 22-19 lead as the teams won four matches apiece. Tulsa Union victories came from pins by Abdullah Aliya (285), Josh Walker (120), and Luke Wolfensperger (126), along with a 14-6 major decision by Brian Crutchmer (132). Broken Arrow answered with pins from No. 8 Chase Ferman (138) and Tanner Bailey (145), a 12-0 major decision by No. 10 Markus Simmons (106), and a 7-0 decision from Zack Edwards. However, four consecutive Redskins victories would extend the lead to 35-19, and clinch the mildest of upsets for Tulsa Union. Victories came from decisions by No. 13 Kyle Ash (152), Cale Wilson (160), and Ky Young (170), as well as a major decision by Blasé Walser (182). No. 3 Kyle Crutchmer moved up one weight class from normal to take a forfeit from Broken Arrow at 195, while Tulsa Union forfeited to No. 19 Seth Calvert -- also up a weight class - in the final match at 220. Of interest are two things -- (1) Tulsa Union flipped Wilson and Young, as well as Walser and Crutchmer from their probable state series weights (2) the teams could meet again this coming week in the state duals. Other highlights from the week that was ... No. 3 Apple Valley, Minn. defeated No. 43 Kasson-Mantorville, Minn., 52-17, on Friday night, winning 10 of 14 matches. The Class 4A Alaska state championship happened this past Friday and Saturday. Service High School earned 250-1/2 points on the way to the championship, while Wasilla (214-1/2 points) and Kodiak (201-1/2) finished second and third respectively. Service was led by state championships from John Pounds (126), Jacob Lunsford (138), Rilen Skieens (152), Daniel Murakami (160), and Stephen Ellis (195). Direct link to all results: http://www.trackwrestling.com/predefinedtournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=27749009 No. 31 Christian Brothers, Tenn. earned the state dual meet championship in Division II, even though they barely escaped Baylor in the semifinal round with a 27-26 victory despite winning just 6 of 14 matches. The championship final was a much easier match, as they won nine matches in a 41-22 victory over Father Ryan. Soddy Daisy won the Division I Class AAA title with a 29-22 victory over Cleveland, while Chattanooga Central was the Division I Class A-AA champion with a 33-27 win against Pigeon Forge. Tournament home page: http://tssaa.org/2011Champions/StateDualWrestling/home.htm Foley, Minn., upset No. 38 St. Michael-Albertville, Minn., 29-28, in part of a Saturday triangular hosted by St. Michael-Albertville. This reversed a result from last month. In preparation for the PIAA Dual Meet Championships this week (already started on Monday with preliminary matches), No. 5 Canon McMillan, Pa.; No.12 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.; No. 25 Central Dauphin, Pa.; and No. 30 Easton, Pa., all won their district dual meet championships as expected. Also in the week to come ... No. 11 Simley, Minn., will play host to No. 41 St. Michael-Albertville, Minn., in a dual meet on Friday night. Traditional (i.e. individual bracket) state tournaments will be held in Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Montana this week; while additional dual meet championships will be held in Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

Fight Now USA Presents Takedown Wrestling from the Brute studios in Des Moines, Iowa at 1460 KXNO. Takedown Wrestling is brought to you by Kemin Agrifoods! This Saturday it's Takedown Wrestling Radio. Join Scott Casber, Adam Fenn from Wrestling Video Solutions, Steve Foster and Brad Johnson with the Takedown Wrestling Headline News this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. CT/ 10 a.m. to 12 noon. This week's guests: 9:03 Damion Hahn, Cornell assistant coach 9:20 Cole Konrad, Bellator heavyweight champion 9:40 Fernando Serratos, Clinch Gear 9:50 Ty Barkley Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Update 10:03 Bjorn Rebney, Bellator CEO 10:20 Michael Chandler, Bellator figher 10:40 Marshall Peppelman, Cornell wrestler 10:50 Amy Ruble Wildrose Casino and Resort Takedown Wrestling is available on radio on AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa, online at Livesportsvideo.com, or on your Blackberry or iPhone with the iHeart Radio app.

Fight Now USA Presents Takedown Wrestling from the mobile Brute studios. Takedown Wrestling is brought to you by Kemin Agrifoods! This Wednesday night starting at 6:30 Takedown Wrestling Radio will present a special Live broadcast of the No. 8 Wyoming Cowboys home dual against the always tough University of Northern Colorado on TheMat.com. Nine wins propelled the University of Wyoming wrestling team to its sixth-straight dual win Thursday night in Colorado Springs as the Pokes took out the Falcons, 32-6. The Cowboys (6-2 overall, 3-0 Western Wrestling Conference) won eight-straight matches to close out the dual to overcome an early 6-4 deficit. UW stayed unbeaten in conference action to remain atop the standings.

PITTSBURGH -- University of Pittsburgh senior Ethan Headlee (Waynesburg, Pa./Waynesburg High School) was named the Eastern Wrestling League Wrestler of the Week on Monday In the Panthers' 26-12 win at West Virginia on Saturday, Headlee returned from an elbow injury and rolled to a 12-2 major decision over No. 20 Lance Bryson. It was the second time Headlee posted a major decision over Bryson this season. “I felt confident. I felt like I was the better wrestler,” Headlee said. “Knowing where he stands in the rankings and knowing I want to be an All-American, I kind of look at it as a stepping stone to get to where I want to be.” Headlee was ranked No. 26 in the WrestlingReport.com poll at the time of the match and has since bumped up five spots to No. 21, one spot ahead of Bryson. With his win over Bryson, and teammate P.J. Tasser's win over multiple EWL opponents, Headlee will most likely enter the conference tournament as the top seed and the favorite to win his second straight title. Regardless of his place at the EWL Tournament on March 4, Headlee is a virtual lock to qualify for the national tournament for the fourth time in his career, a feat accomplished by just 12 wrestlers in Pitt history. Included in that list are current coaches Rande Stotleymyer and Matt Kocher. A pair of injuries have kept Headlee out of the lineup for a large portion of the season, limiting him to just 16 matches with a record of 10-6. For his career he has 91 victories and is tied for sixth all-time on Pitt's career pins list with 29. Headlee didn't appear to struggle much during his return from the most recent setback. He controlled all facets of the match in the easy win over Bryson, scoring multiple takedowns and nearfall points. “Coming off the elbow injury, I felt a lot better as opposed to my knee injury because I was able to run. I was a little nervous, because a match is a lot different than practice, but for the most part I felt good.” Pitt hopes Headlee can continue to compete like he did at West Virginia as the Panthers face a grueling final stretch of the regular season. Remaining on the schedule are a one-loss team in No. 23 Hofstra, a No. 21 Edinboro team with a perfect 4-0 record in the EWL, and No. 2 Penn State, the returning national champions. The Hofstra match is next on the schedule. The Panthers will host the Pride on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Field House.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- For the third time this season, Missouri's Alan Waters has been named the Big 12 Wrestler of the Week, as announced on Monday afternoon. Waters becomes just the second Tiger in program history with three career Wrestler of the Week honors, tying him with Ben Askren for most all-time. Waters shut out a pair of top-15 conference foes this weekend, beginning with a 4-0 victory over No. 13 Jon Morrison of Oklahoma State on Saturday. He followed that up by defeating No. 8 Jarrod Patterson (Oklahoma) by a 7-0 final on Sunday afternoon. The victories were the first for Waters against each of these foes, as he was 0-2 against both Morrison and Patterson entering the weekend. Waters is now 22-1 overall and 13-0 in duals this season. In total, Missouri wrestlers have now won four league weekly awards in one season for the first time in the Big 12 era. Waters joins current Oklahoma athlete Kendric Maple and former Oklahoma State star Jordan Oliver as the only wrestlers to be honored by the Big 12 three times in one season. Missouri will travel to Piscataway, N.J. this weekend for the NWCA National Dual Regionals, being joined by host Rutgers, Kent State, Michigan, Minnesota and Cal Poly. Bracket information will be released on Tuesday afternoon after the rankings are released. For more information, stay tuned to mutigers.com.

Fabricio Werdum (Photo/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) First, we learned that the UFC Monster and I are out in Vegas enjoying the fight mecca of the world. Nothing is better than being in Vegas for a UFC card, the entire city is charged with electric waves. Fight recap time ... Here is what we learned from the UFC 143 main card and what is (or could be) next for the fighters: Carlos Condit vs. Nick Diaz Division: Welterweight Result: Condit defeated Diaz by unanimous decision What we learned about Condit: The obvious ... He is now the interim welterweight champion. We also learned that Condit can not only come out charging like a bull and score knockouts (see Dan Hardy fight), but he is also very coachable and disciplined when asked. His camp, led by Greg Jackson, came up with a game plan to not be lured into the brawling fights that Diaz tends to enjoy and win. Condit was a very diverse striker and never wavered or fell out of his game plan despite being heavily taunted heavily by Daiz. Condit has finally arrived with this signature win and went from an underrated fighter to a very dangerous contender. What is next for Condit: Condit is next in line to fight GSP. The problem is that he will have to wait about 10 months to do so, since GSP isn't going to be cleared to train until June. Don't be surprised if Condit fights Koscheck or considers fighting Diaz again in an immediate rematch. What we learned about Diaz: He is exactly who we thought he is, and know him to be. He was arrogant, brash and wanted to get Condit to brawl with him. Diaz felt that he at least won rounds 1, 3, and 5, and he was so distraught with the decision that he emotionally said that he would retire, since he felt that Condit ran away from him the entire fight. We learned that although Diaz may have won the fight in many eyes, he still needs to remember to never let it get to the score cards. Making comments like, "If I thought I was losing, I would have finished the submission" leaves fans, his camp, and many other scratching their heads. What is next for Diaz: Diaz needs to lobby for an immediate rematch. Dana White hinted at it. He could get an immediate rematch, but my gut feeling is that he will have to fight Johny Hendricks, Josh Koscheck, or Jon Fitch. Fabricio Werdum vs. Roy Nelson Division: Heavyweight Result: Fabricio Werdum defeated Nelson by unanimous decision What we learned about Werdum: We learned that the eighth-ranked Werdum is a dark horse in the heavyweight division. He showed new and very clean striking skills, picking Nelson apart all night. We have not seen Werdum ever look this good in his standup game, couple that with his amazing submission skills and you have a fighter on the brink of a title shot with another couple of wins. What is next for Werdum: Fabricio returned to the UFC looking better than ever, so expect him to fight Frank Mir, Shane Carwin or even Antonio Nogueria to climb into the top five of his weight class. What we learned about Nelson: We learned that he is a mid-level fighter that is fun to watch with much personality, but needs to do more to make an impact in the deep and talented heavyweight division. He has lost a lot of weight, but at his height and weight, he will always struggle against fighters with longer reaches and bigger statures. What is next for Nelson: Look to him to continue to lose the weight and get down to light heavy weight class in the next year. He may take another fight at heavy weight, but at 1-3 in his last four fights, he will need to win to fight off a pink slip from the UFC. Josh Koscehck vs. Mike Pierce Division: Welterweight Result: Koscheck defeated Pierce by split decision What we learned about Koscheck: We learned that he was not very motivated coming into this fight ... and not much else. He did just enough to earn a very slim decision and left much to be desired. Koscheck reveled at the post fight press conference that he wasn't happy with his performance and has left his AKA Academy gym that he helped promote during his entire UFC career. We were also reminded that fans love to hate Koscheck, and he did very little to improve the frequency of the "boo birds." What is next for Koscheck: He suggested that he would like to fight Condit for the interim title, but he will more than likely get Johnny Hendricks or Jon Fitch (his former teammate at AKA) . What we learned about Pierce: He is a very physically strong and game fighter. He pushed the pace and landed nice shots against Koscheck, and although struggled to get the takedowns, he should build on the loss and come back stronger. Pierce is a legitimate top 20 welterweight who needs to clean up his game and should be someone to watch moving forward. What is next for Pierce: I think he took more away in the fight from the loss than Koscheck in the win. Peirce should look to get back on the proverbial ladder by fighting someone such as Charlie Brenneman. Ed Herman vs. Clifford Starks Division: Middleweight Result: Ed Herman defeated Clifford Starks by submission What we learned about Herman: Herman is still a gatekeeper to the UFC. Since finishing as a runner-up in Season 3 of the Ultimate Fighter TV series, Herman is 7-6 in the UFC and tends to be a fighter who will beat most newcomers debuting in the UFC, but then losing to polished competition. In short, we learned that Herman has not evolved much since joining the UFC. He looks good against weaker competition and then gets beat by mid-level guys. What is next for Herman: Herman needs to string some wins together. Nonetheless, I see him on the same trend he has been on since entering the UFC ... inconsistent. He should get a fight with Jason Miller with the loser getting cut from the UFC. What we learned about Starks: Not a ton. He clipped Herman with a nice hook, but then failed to get a takedown with some lunging, far from distances shots. What is next for Starks: In losing this last bout, Starks will have to win his next fight to prove his win in his octagon debut was not a fluke. I see him fighting Kris McCray or Ryan Jensen.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- In a fight for the top spot in the Southern Conference standings, Appalachian State University wrestling triumphed over Chattanooga, 21-17, in a clash of the league's unbeaten teams at Macllelan Gym on Sunday. Senior Savva Kostis' overtime pin highlighted the Apps' performance as the Mountaineers (10-3, 4-0 SoCon) defeated the Mocs (11-4, 4-1 SoCon) for the first time since the 2002-03 season. With Appalachian's victory, only VMI and Davidson stand in the Mountaineers' way from ASU's first undefeated league performance since the team's last regular-season crown in 2002-03; a win against either SoCon opponent would clinch at least a share of the title. For the seven-time defending SoCon regular-season and tournament champion Chattanooga, Sunday's conference loss was its first since Feb. 2004 and may signal the end of the Mocs' championship dynasty in the league. Chattanooga got on the scoreboard first with a 7-3 decision. Appalachian's leader in career victories, No. 12 Austin Trotman, quickly responded at 184, needing only 1:34 to pin his opponent and put the Mountaineers on top 6-3. Freshman Paul Weiss earned a critical win at 197 pounds, outscoring his opponent 6-1 in the third period en route to an 8-3 decision, extending the ASU lead to 9-3. Looking to break the Appalachian momentum, Chattanooga rattled off three straight wins, including two major decisions, at the next three classes. UTC retook the lead and built a 14-9 advantage. ASU senior Mike Kessler broke the streak at 141 pounds, notching three takedowns in an eventual 8-2 decision. With the Mountaineers still trailing, 12-14, Kostis came to the mat for his memorable match. After a scoreless first period, Moc Kelly Felix scored the first point on an escape in the second, and Kostis answered to break free in the third, sending the bout to overtime at 1-1. More than two-thirds through the sudden-victory period, Kostis recorded the winning takedown. With a near-fall imminent, the match continued, and not settling for a mere decision, the Mountaineer capitalized on his position and pulled out the pin in 7:48 total. With six team points, Appalachian State pulled ahead, 18-14, and the victory also marked ASU's first overtime dual-meet win in three attempts this season. With two bouts remaining, Chattanooga continued to fight and earned a 5-2 decision at 157 to bring the score to 18-17 with one match to go. Finally, it was Appalachian senior Kyle Blevins' turn on the mat. Ranked No. 16 in the nation, Blevins was challenged by his opponent but never wavered. After the third stanza began with the score tied, 2-2, Blevins escaped five seconds into the period and added a crucial takedown to earn a 6-3 victory and seal the monumental, 21-17 win for ASU. With their 10th win of the year, the Mountaineers now have their most victories in a season during the tenure of head coach JohnMark Bentley and have clinched their first winning season since 2007-08. Having completed the team's road schedule, Appalachian now returns home for four-straight matches to conclude the regular season. ASU hosts VMI on Friday and No. 20 Virginia on Saturday with both matches scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Next weekend, Appalachian concludes with Duke on Sat., Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. and Davidson on senior day, Sun., Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. Results: 174: Levi Clemons (UTC) dec. Carter Downs (ASU) 7-3. (UTC, 0-3) 184: No. 12 Austin Trotman (ASU) pinned Cory Canada (UTC) 1:34. (ASU, 6-3) 197: Paul Weiss (ASU) dec. Robert Prigmore (UTC) 8-3. (ASU, 9-3) 285: Kevin Malone (UTC) dec. Joe Cummings (ASU) 6-4. (ASU, 9-6) 125: Manuel Ramirez (UTC) maj. dec. Tony Gravely (ASU) 13-1. (UTC, 9-10) 133: No. 13 Nick Soto (UTC) maj. dec. Brett Boston (ASU) 14-3. (UTC, 9-14) 141: Mike Kessler (ASU) dec. Shawn Greevy (UTC) 8-2. (UTC, 12-14) 149: Savva Kostis (ASU) pinned Kelly Felix (UTC) 7:48. (ASU, 18-14) 157: Daniel Waddell (UTC) dec. Chip Powell (ASU) 5-2. (ASU, 18-17) 165: No. 16 Kyle Blevins (ASU) dec. Brandon Wright (UTC) 6-3. (ASU, 21-17)

Ranked No. 1 at 174 pounds by InterMat. Two-time NCAA Division I All-American, and 2011 NCAA finalist. Twice honored with the NCAA's Elite 88 award, presented to the college wrestler with the highest grade point average. A graduate student at one of America's elite universities who already has a job waiting for him. Nick Amuchastegui is ranked No. 1 at 174 pounds (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)It all reads like some fictional portrait of the ideal scholar-athlete from a bygone era, or an NCAA PR person's fantasy. But, for Stanford wrestler Nick Amuchastegui, it's the extreme Cliff Notes version of his college career. Amuchastegui, 22, is wrapping up his fifth year at Stanford, having already earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, and wrapping up work on his master's. He is also winding up an impressive mat career as a Cardinal, with a perfect 18-0 record this season, a three-time Pac-10 finalist (and 2010 conference champ), and two-time NCAA All-American. All very impressive for a guy from rural Oregon who wasn't heavily recruited. The kid from Talent Amuchastegui grew up on a farm in southern Oregon. When asked how he was introduced to wrestling, the Talent, Oregon native responded, "Dad went out for wrestling for one week in high school -- his family had just moved, and he had to help out at home. His high school P.E. teacher, Harry Mondale, was still teaching when I was in third grade. He went to my father and said, 'I think that little guy should go out for wrestling.'" "I was up for it," Amuchastegui continued. "I felt really welcomed into the sport." Amuchastegui honed his craft at various wrestling clubs in southern Oregon, then competed at Phoenix High School. "Harry (Mondale) was my high school coach. He must have been about 75 years old. A really tough guy," Amuchastegui said, with a smile in his voice. "If he thought you were a wimp, he called you out. But I became tougher because of him." As a wrestler at Phoenix High, Amuchastegui was a four-time placer at the Oregon state tournament, placing third as a freshman and sophomore, second his senior year, and winning the state title as a junior. Yet the Stanford senior is rather modest about his pre-college mat career. "I never did anything that special in high school," Amuchastegui said with sincere modesty. "I didn't do anything nationally ... I wrestled three months a year. I think that was ultimately a benefit for me, because I never got burned out, and was able to have time for my family and other things. (Amuchastegui also played baseball in high school.) From the family farm, to The Farm How did a farm boy from Oregon end up at Stanford University, known as "The Farm" because it is located on what had been the farm of school founders Leland and Jane Stanford? "Stanford had been on my radar since seventh grade, but I wasn't sure it was within my reach," Amuchastegui disclosed. "In my freshman year of high school, we had a college prep research class. We were asked to research colleges -- to choose a couple that were ‘within reach' and a couple that were our ‘dream schools.' One of the schools I researched was Stanford." "The teacher pointed out, 'No one from here gets into Stanford.'" Despite his state title, Amuchastegui was not heavily recruited, "even by Stanford," as the Cardinal wrestler put it. "However, Zach Giesen (2011 Pac-10 champ at 197) put in a good word for me." "Since I got in, three from my high school -- including my younger brother Luke -- now go to Stanford." Adjusting to life at The Farm Nick Amuchastegui admitted that getting accustomed to Stanford was a real challenge in his first few months at the Palo Alto-based school. "It's an urban setting, which I was not used to," said InterMat's top-ranked 174-pounder. "I missed the activities I had enjoyed growing up on a farm -- hunting, fishing, being outdoors." Jason Borrelli is in his fourth season as Stanford's head coach (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)In a recent profile of Amuchastegui posted at the Stanford wrestling website, Cardinal head wrestling coach Jason Borrelli told writer Kevin Danna, "He's not shy about it. He'll tell you -- he'd love to be back in southern Oregon, be with his family, live on the farm and be around them every day. You know right away that's something that's extremely important to him." In that same article, Amuchastegui said, "My first quarter here was one of the most difficult times of my life." It wasn't just the farm and family that the freshman missed. "I was also feeling lonely," Amuchastegui told InterMat. "I missed being away from my family, and hadn't yet formed close friendships at school." That all changed with time. "What has made me happy here is making friends, joining in the Christian community here. Finding people who really care about me. I feel so much more comfortable now, being with people who love me." Favorable first impressions Even with this period of adjustment to life at Stanford, Nick Amuchastegui made a favorable impression in the Cardinal wrestling room right from the start. Nick Amuchastegui is a two-time NCAA All-American (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)"I knew in the first couple months he'd be great as a wrestler," said Coach Borrelli. "I knew he'd be special. Seeing how he responded as a freshman, working out with guys like Luke Feist, Matt Gentry, Josh Zupanic. When he'd get knocked down, he was figuring out ways right away not to get knocked down again. Typically, a redshirt will think, ‘I have time to figure this out.' Instead, he decided to figure out things right away. He had a sense of urgency, even as a redshirt freshman, which is pretty rare." Borrelli's initial impressions were proved true. Amuchastegui has built an impressive 108-17 overall record in his career at Stanford, and is a perfect 18-0 in his last season as a Cardinal. He's a three-time Pac-10 finalist, winning the 165-pound crown at the conference championships in 2010. Exceeding expectations When asked to name the high points of his Stanford wrestling career, Amuchastegui quickly responded, "The NCAAs, every year. It's what my season builds up to. It's truly exciting for me. It's where I put forth my best effort." "As a sophomore and junior, I performed better than was expected, and good things happened." Amuchastegui is a three-time NCAA qualifier. As a sophomore, he earned All-American honors at his second trip to the nationals by placing fourth at the 2010 NCAAs in Omaha. Nick Amuchastegui celebrates after beating Mack Lewnes (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Last year, Amuchastegui moved up a weight class, compiling a 27-3 record as a junior prior to the NCAAs. A runner-up at the 2011 Pac 10s, Amuchastegui was seeded No. 7 in the 174-pound bracket at the 2011 NCAAs. However, the Cardinal matman exceeded expectations by getting an injury default win over second-seeded Ed Ruth of Penn State in the quarterfinals ... then, in the semifinals, scoring a 5-2 win over Cornell's Mack Lewnes, seeded third. Amuchastegui left Philadelphia the runner-up, losing to Iowa State's Jon Reader, 10-3, in the finals ... but winning a measure of respect -- and new fans -- in the process. "What's enabled me to excel and exceed expectations is to disregard my ranking, and not to worry about my opponents," said Amuchastegui. "After all, he's got two arms and two legs, just like me." "I try to apply the same thinking, no matter the opponent or the situation. My attitude is the same wherever I am in the rankings." Leading the way Another impressive attribute cited by Coach Borrelli is Nick Amuchastegui's leadership skills. "He has a good understanding of what successful people do. He's not driven to follow in other people's footsteps. He is the epitome of a guy who is a leader, blazing his own trail." "He's an effective leader for Stanford wrestling," Borrelli continued. "He can be vocal when necessary. He's an incredible extension of our coaching staff. When the guys are tired, he's encouraging his teammates on. He conducts wrestler team meetings; his teammates come to him with their concerns. When recruits come to visit, he takes time to talk to them and their parents, to make them feel welcome, answer their questions." "He wants to learn about other people. He could be sitting next to you on an airplane, and during the entire flight, the conversation would be about you, not his accomplishments." "Within the first ten seconds of talking to him, you see how articulate he is," said Borrelli. "He projects an inner confidence that comes from being very secure with himself. Yet he never presents himself as being superior to anyone. Considering all he's accomplished, he's a very humble guy." Achieving balance Nick Amuchastegui's academic accomplishments may well outshine his success on the mat. He is a two-time winner of the NCAA Elite 88 Award, presented to the wrestler competing at the national championships with the highest grade point average. In addition, he is a first-team Academic All-American, and Capital One/CoSIDA Men's At-Large Academic All-American of the Year. Nick Amuchastegui finished the regular season 18-0 (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Impressive as those academic honors are, Amuchastegui has been singularly focused on making the most of his time at Stanford. He completed his undergraduate degree in the school's highly-ranked mechanical engineering program in just three years ... and is now finishing up his graduate work for a master's degree, concentrating on the subjects of thermodynamics and mechatronics. A summer internship at Sandia National Laboratory has led to a career position waiting for him at their Livermore, California facility upon graduation. How does Amuchastegui balance the demands of being a top-ranked wrestler and a student in a rigorous academic program? He draws on a rugged work ethic instilled in him by his father and his demanding high school coach, Harry Mondale ... and appears to have earned a minor in time management. In an interview with Mike Finn for WIN (Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine) earlier this season, Amuchastegui described a typical weekday that started at 6:30 a.m. with early-morning practice lasting an hour-and-a-half, then breakfast, then 4-5 hours of homework, then classes, then a workout that spans much of the afternoon, then dinner, then more homework, then bed. All that, and he manages to also incorporate time for outdoor activities such as hiking or biking, and social time with friends. When asked by InterMat how he achieved balance between academics and athletics, Amuchastegui said, "I don't try to put one over the other; both matter. I eliminate what doesn't bring me joy or fulfillment, such as TV or Facebook." Nick Amuchastegui rides Oregon State's Cody Weishoff (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Or, as he told WIN, "What I tell people is that it's amazing what you can accomplish in 16 hours once you cut out all the crap in your life." A key component to Nick Amuchastegui's balanced life is his religious faith. He makes time to participate in Christian activities, and incorporate his faith in his daily living -- even relating it to his wrestling. "Jesus was a guy who loved people who weren't showy, didn't seek fame," said Amuchastegui. "As a wrestler, you can't want fame. You don't attract crowds. Being a wrestler requires a strong heart, and taking care of yourself physically and spiritually. It requires me to live up to my potential every day." In talking to Amuchastegui, words like "humble," "modest," "impressive," "thoughtful" and "centered" immediately come to mind. Coach Jason Borrelli summed it up well by saying, "You have to be impressed with what he has accomplished in wrestling, and in the classroom. He works very hard at both to achieve all that he has. He is a great legacy for this program."

J'den Cox

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA -- The University of Northern Iowa defeated to Western Wrestling Conference opponents Sunday. The Panthers (7-5, 5-1 WWC) gave North Dakota State (5-7, 2-1 WWC) its first conference loss with a 22-18 victory, then topped South Dakota State (4-6, 0-3 WWC) by a score of 25-12. UNI 22, NDSU 18 The Panthers overcame an 18-11 deficit, winning their last three matches to defeat the Bison 22-18. No. 11 Joe Colon (133) set the pace early, as he continued his reign of dominance, scoring a technical fall over Justin Solberg. The win was Colon's third-straight tech. fall in dual competition. Levi Wolfensperger (141) provided fans with the most exciting match of the afternoon as he wrestled NDSU's Tyler Diamond. Down 3-1 and facing an additional riding time point against him, Wolfensperger forced the match into sudden victory, as he completed two take downs in the third period's final 10 seconds. After a scramble in the sudden victory period, Wolfensperger ended up on top with a takedown and a 7-5 decision. Two matches later, UNI's David Bonin (157) showcased the afternoon's most impressive victory, as he upset No. 11 Steven Monk. Bonin took an early 2-0 lead with a takedown in the first period, then hung on to his lead for the rest of the match, completing a 3-2 decision. The win was Bonin's first over a ranked opponent this season. NDSU took an 18-11 lead after winning the 165 and 174-pound bouts with a pin and major decision, but the Panthers persevered, winning the dual's final three matches. No. 6 Ryan Loder (184) commenced the comeback with a technical fall over the Bison's Mac Stoll, then Taylor Kettman (197) and Blayne Beale (285) both took care of their opponents with regular decisions. Results: 125: #19 Trent Sprenkle (NDSU) TF Cruse Aarhus (UNI), 17-2 (6:15) (5-0 NDSU) 133: #11 Joe Colon (UNI) TF Justin Solberg (NDSU), 17-2 (5:27) (5-5 tie) 141: Levi Wolfensperger (UNI) dec. Tyler Diamond (NDSU), 7-5 SV (8-5 UNI) 149: Mark Erickson (NDSU) dec. Seth Noble (UNI), 3-2 (8-8 tie) 157: David Bonin (UNI) dec. #11 Steven Monk (NDSU), 3-2 (11-8 UNI) 165: Tyler Johnson (NDSU) FALL Riley Banach (UNI), 2:53 (14-11 NDSU) 174: Joe Garner (NDSU) maj. Onni Prestidge (UNI), 15-7 (18-11 NDSU) 184: #6 Ryan Loder (UNI) TF Mac Stoll (NDSU), 16-1 (6:21) (18-16 NDSU) 197: Taylor Kettman (UNI) dec. John Gusewelle (NDSU), 7-1 (19-18 UNI) 285: Blayne Beale (UNI) dec. Evan Knutson (NDSU), 7-3 (22-18 UNI) UNI 25, SDSU 12 UNI found itself down again in its second dual of the afternoon, but the Panthers rallied, winning six of their final seven matches to secure a 25-12 victory over the Jackrabbits. Joe Colon (133) had yet another win with bonus points, scoring a 12-0 major decision over Nick Chavez. Colon extended his win streak to 13 matches. In those 13 matches, the redshirt sophomore has compiled four falls, four technical falls, four major decisions, and just one regular decision. Coming into the 149-pound bout, UNI was down 9-4. However, redshirt sophomore Seth Noble sparked the Panther comeback, winning a tight 4-3 decision over Andrew Youngblom, where a riding time point proved to be the difference. Bonin had another quality win in his second match of the day, as he defeated SDSU's Nick Flynn with a 4-1 decision. The junior topped Flynn for the 157-pound title at the UNI Open earlier in the season and improved to 25-6 overall with another win. Riley Banach (165) took his first win of the weekend against Dillon Reid with an exciting 13-7 decision. To close out the afternoon, Loder, Kettman and Beale swept the last three matches once again. Loder (184) compiled his second tech. fall of the day over Troy Morrisette. The redshirt sophomore is now 27-2 overall and 11-1 in dual action. He and Colon both lead the squad in tech. falls with six apiece. Kettman (197) survived a close match with the Jackrabbits' Nick Mart. The redshirt sophomore won with a 6-4 decision and become one of four Panthers to end the weekend 3-0. The others include Colon, Bonin and Loder. Beale finished the day with a 14-1 major decision over Joe Skow. Beale is now 23-9 overall and 8-4 in dual competition. The Panthers will be back in action next weekend at the NWCA National Duals Regional in Ames. Results: 125: Aaron Pickrel (SDSU) FALL Cruse Aarhus (UNI), 3:36 (6-0 SDSU) 133: #11 Joe Colon (UNI) maj. Nick Chavez (SDSU), 12-0 (6-4 SDSU) 141: Dustin Walraven (SDSU) dec. Levi Wolfensperger (UNI), 2-0 (9-4 SDSU) 149: Seth Noble (UNI) dec. Andrew Youngblom (SDSU), 4-3 (9-7 SDSU) 157: David Bonin (UNI) dec. Nick Flynn (SDSU), 4-1 (10-9 UNI) 165: Riley Banach (UNI) dec. Dillon Reid (SDSU), 13-7 (13-9 UNI) 174: Joe Rasmussen (SDSU) dec. Onni Prestidge (UNI), 10-5 (13-12 UNI) 184: #6 Ryan Loder (UNI) TF Troy Morrisette (SDSU), 17-2 (4:25) (18-12 UNI) 197: Taylor Kettman (UNI) dec. Nick Mart (SDSU), 6-4 (21-12 UNI) 285: Blayne Beale (UNI) maj. Joe Skow (SDSU), 14-1 (25-12)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The No. 6 Ohio State wrestling team downed Michigan State, 24-13, Sunday afternoon at Jenison Field House in East Lansing, Mich. The Buckeyes improved to 11-3 overall and concluded the Big Ten schedule 5-3. Ohio State will now prepare for the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals Feb. 12 in Stillwater, Okla. Collecting 12 points in the final two matches proved to be the difference maker in an otherwise close match between the Buckeyes and Spartans. Michigan State had a 15-12 lead with two bouts remaining at 125 and 133 pounds. Ohio State was awarded six points in the 125-pound match between freshman and No. 16 Johnni Dijulius and Eric Olanowski after the Spartan was disqualified. Two points also were deducted from MSU's team score. As the Buckeyes suddenly jumped out to an 18-13 lead, freshman 133-pounder Logan Stieber recorded his 13th pin of the season to seal the Ohio State victory. Stieber, ranked No. 3, downed Brandon Fifield in 1:36. The match began at 141 pounds and for the second-consecutive match freshman Jarrod Boone received the start. The Buckeye from Columbus was pinned in 2:44 to give the Spartans an early 6-0 lead. At 149 pounds, freshman and 14th-ranked Cam Tessari defeated Dan Osterman, 4-2, in sudden victory. Tessari, who hails from Monroeville, Ohio, held a slim 1-0 lead in the second period on an escape. However, Osterman took a 2-1 lead on a reversal after choosing bottom to start the third period. In the scramble, Tessari managed to escape and tied the score, 2-2. With no additional scoring in the period, the bout went into overtime where Tessari scored the match-winning takedown. Columbus native Josh Demas lost a close 5-4 decision to No. 12 Anthony Jones at 157 pounds. Down 3-1 at the beginning of the second period, Demas ended the period with a takedown to tie the score at 3-all. The Buckeye, who is ranked 20th in the nation, then scored an escape to start the third period for a 4-3 advantage. However, Jones ended the period with a takedown and the 5-4 victory. With the Spartans owning a 9-3 lead, freshman Derek Garcia downed Nick Proctor, 6-3, to help Ohio State pull to within three points (9-6) in the team score. After a scoreless first period, Proctor chose bottom and escaped for a 1-0 lead. Despite Garcia answering with a takedown, Proctor recorded an escape to tie the score, 2-2. However, the Buckeye from Sedro Woolley, Wash., tallied an escape and a takedown for a 5-2 lead and coupled with riding time, added his sixth point of the match despite a late escape by Proctor. Michigan State owned a 12-6 lead heading into intermission following a loss at 174 pounds. Sophomore Joe Grandominico received the start at 174 and lost, 6-1, to No. 16 Curran Jacobs. A 3-1 sudden victory win by redshirt-junior C.J. Magrum at 184 pounds cut the Spartans' lead to three again (12-9). Magrum and Ian Hinton traded escapes during regulation before heading to overtime. In the extra period, Magrum, ranked 10th in the nation, scored a takedown for the win. Freshman Andrew Campolattano scored a huge 10-3 decision over Nick McDiarmid at 197 pounds to tie the team score at 12-all. Limiting McDiarmid to just three escapes, Campolattano, ranked No. 20 in the nation, recorded four takedowns and an escape, plus earned riding time in the victory. However, Michigan State regained the lead, 15-12, after heavyweight and No. 18 Peter Capone dropped an 8-3 decision to Steve Andrus. Results: 141 – Brian Gibbs (MSU) PINNED Jarrod Boone, 2:44 149 – No. 14 Cam Tessari DEC Dan Osterman, 4-2(ot) 157 – No. 12 Anthony Jones DEC No. 20 Josh Demas, 5-4 165 – Derek Garcia DEC Nick Proctor, 6-3 174 – No. 16 Curran Jacobs DEC Joe Grandominico, 6-1 184 –No. 10 C.J. Magrum DEC Ian Hinton, 3-1(ot) 197 – No. 20 Andrew Campolattano DEC Nick McDiarmid, 10-3 HWT – Steve Andrus DEC No. 18 Peter Capone, 8-3 125 – No. 16 Johnni Dijulius wins via disqualification Eric Olanowski 133 – No. 3 Logan Stieber PINNED Brandon Fifield, 1:36 *Michigan State loses two team points because of Olanowski disqualification

KENT, Ohio -- Kent State's seniors couldn't have written a better script for their final competition at the M.A.C. Center Sunday. The Golden Flashes (12-4, 5-0 MAC) won eight matches, including victories by all four seniors in the lineup, downing Eastern Michigan (13-6, 2-2) 28-10. The victory capped off an undefeated conference season, extended Kent State's winning streak to 10 and secured the Flashes' second outright MAC title in the last four years. "Step one is accomplished," Jim Andrassy said. "And doing it at home is a great thing. Now we have to focus on some other things." Sunday's step one began with a first period pin by senior Nic Bedelyon (Lewistown, Pa.). Already leading 5-0, Bedelyon got in on a shot, brought Jared Germaine's leg up and turned it into a cradle from the standing position. "I've got to open up, keep shooting and attacking," Bedelyon said of the difference between Sunday and his other recent matches. "I feel like if I can get things going, our team's going to do well." After Tyler Small (Littlestown, Pa.) scored an impressive 7-0 win over Corey Phillips, Marcel Clopton (Shaker Hts., Ohio) became the second senior to go out on a high note. With takedowns in all three periods, Clopton earned a 9-2 victory over Jaylyn Bohl, who was the No. 3 ranked 149-pounder in the MAC. "What Marcel has done this weekend shows how much of a professional he is," Andrassy said of Clopton being in the lineup for the first time all season. "It speaks volumes of what kind of kid he is. He's always ready to go. And I'm really proud of him." Junior Mallie Shuster (Newville, Pa.) scored a critical reversal in the final seconds of the first period and another in the final minute of the match to top Aaron Sulzer 7-6. The win gave the Flashes a commanding 15-4 lead. "Mallie's as good as anyone in the conference," Andrassy said. Senior Ross Tice (Brookfield, Ohio) trailed Lester France 7-3 midway through the second period before hitting a five-point headlock. Tice scored another takedown in the third on his way to a 13-8 win. Junior Casey Newburg (Union, Ohio) claimed his second major decision of the weekend and his eighth of the season with a 13-5 win over Phillip Joseph. Newburg piled up five takedowns and collected two stalling points. Junior Keith Witt (Oak Harbor, Ohio) got in a on a first period shot for a takedown, which made the difference in a 4-2 victory over Nick Whitenburg. Heavyweight Brendan Barlow (Westerville, Ohio) capped off a 4-for-4 day for Kent State's senior class with a 3-2 win over Wes Schroeder. Barlow hoisted Schroeder up in the air for a key first period takedown. Sunday was the first time the Flashes clinched an outright conference crown on their home mat since 1989. Kent State will compete in the National Dual Championships on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Piscataway, N.J. The Flashes will be either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed at the six-team Regional and will find out who its first opponent will be on Monday. Results: 125 - Nic Bedelyon (Kent State) over Jared Germaine (EMU) Fall 2:22 133 - Andrew Novak (EMU) over Stevie Mitcheff (Kent State) Maj. Dec. 13-5 141 - Tyler Small (Kent State) over Corey Phillips (EMU) Dec 7-0 149 – Marcel Clopton (Kent State) over Jaylyn Bohl (EMU) Dec. 9-2 157 – Mallie Shuster (Kent State) over Aaron Sulzer (EMU) Dec 7-6 165 – Ross Tice (Kent State) over Lester France (EMU) Dec 13-8 174 – Phillip Joseph (EMU) over Brandonn Johnson (Kent State) Fall 4:56 184 –Casey Newburg (Kent State) over Mike Curby (EMU) Maj. Dec 13-5 197 – Keith Witt (Kent State) over Nick Whitenburg (EMU) Dec 4-2 HWT - Brendan Barlow (Kent State) over Wes Schroeder (EMU) Dec 3-2

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Purdue wrestling team knotted the Crimson & Gold Cup standings at four points apiece on Sunday, topping the Hoosiers, 19-16, at Indiana's University Gymnasium. The Boilermakers won five of the first six matches en route to the victory, including key wins by sophomore Camden Eppert and junior Ivan Lopouchanski. “Any win over your in-state rival is a big one,” said Purdue head coach Scott Hinkel. “We had plenty of reasons to win this one: the rivalry, finish the Big Ten schedule with a win, etc. The important thing is that we came down here and took care of business.” Eppert got things off to a good start at 125 pounds, scoring early and often against Indiana freshman Zach Zimmer in a 10-2 major decision. The win was Eppert's third conference win of the season and eighth overall, while the major decision was his first of the season. Fellow sophomore Cashé Quiroga, ranked ninth in the country at 133 pounds, followed with another win, holding off an upset-minded Joe Duca for an 11-9 decision. Duca picked up the first takedown of the match and added a second with a pair of back points in the second to put Quiroga on the ropes, but the highly-ranked Boilermaker responded in the tight situation, adding four takedowns to his team-leading total in his 14th win of the season. The Hoosiers got on the board at 141 pounds as senior Matt Ortega made the most of his final home dual in a 7-2 decision over Purdue freshman Brandon Nelsen. Ortega countered a Nelsen shot early in the match and turned it into a five-point move to account for the majority of scoring. Lopouchanski, ranked 13th nationally at 149 pounds, responded for the Old Gold and Black with a 10-4 decision over 18th-ranked Hoosier freshman Taylor Walsh. The Boilermakers got an early scare as Walsh nearly took Lopouchanski to his back in the opening seconds, but the Purdue junior controlled things the rest of the way, reversing Walsh in the first and second periods and tacking on three back points with the second reversal. He clinched the bout with a third-period takedown, improving to 12-3 on the season. Things continued to go the Boilermakers' way at 157 and 165 pounds as junior Tommy Churchard and sophomore Kyle Mosier posted decisions. Churchard took a 7-3 victory from Indiana freshman Sawyer Morris, and Mosier backed him up with a 3-1 win over Hoosier junior Ryan Konz. Indiana bit into the lead again at 174 pounds as sophomore Ryan LeBlanc posted a 12-3 major decision over Boilermaker rookie Drake Stein, making it a 16-7 Purdue advantage, but 19th-ranked Boilermaker freshman Braden Atwood sealed the win at 184 pounds, notching a 6-1 decision over Hoosier freshman Lucas Sheridan. After a scoreless first period, Atwood scored three points in the second, with a takedown and an escape, and three in the third, with two nearfall and riding time, while Sheridan's only points came on an illegal slam by Atwood. With the match out of reach, the Hoosiers won the final two contests of the day as third-ranked Indiana senior Matt Powless outlasted Purdue senior A.J. Kissel at 197 pounds, 10-7, while Hoosier sophomore Adam Chalfant accepted an injury default against 20th-ranked Purdue senior Roger Vukobratovich at heavyweight. The win improved Purdue to 8-9 overall and 3-5 in conference duals, marking the second straight season the Boilermakers finished with a 3-5 Big Ten record, while Indiana dropped to 8-7 (0-7 Big Ten). Done with conference action, the Boilermakers head to Ithaca, N.Y. next weekend for the NWCA National Duals. Purdue's opponent is yet to be officially announced, but it will most likely be 22nd-ranked Central Michigan University. Results: 125: Camden Eppert (PUR) def. Zach Zimmer (IND), MD 10-2 (PUR 4 – IND 0) 133: #9 Cashé Quiroga (PUR) def. Joe Duca (IND), D 11-9 (PUR 7 – IND 0) 141: Matt Ortega (IND) def. Brandon Nelsen (PUR), D 7-2 (PUR 7 – IND 3) 149: #13 Ivan Lopouchanski (PUR) def. #18 Taylor Walsh (IND), D 10-4 (PUR 10 – IND 3) 157: Tommy Churchard (PUR) def. Sawyer Morris (IND), D 7-3 (PUR 13 – IND 3) 165: Kyle Mosier (PUR) def. Ryan Konz (IND), D 3-1 (PUR 16 – IND 3) 174: Ryan LeBlanc (IND) def. Drake Stein (PUR), MD 12-3 (PUR 16 – IND 7) 184: #19 Braden Atwood (PUR) def. Lucas Sheridan (IND), D 6-1 (PUR 19 – IND 7) 197: #3 Matt Powless (IND) def. A.J. Kissel (PUR), D 10-7 (PUR 19 – IND 10) 285: Adam Chalfant (IND) def. #20 Roger Vukobratovich (PUR), Injury Default (PUR 19 – IND 16)

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestlers hammered visiting Michigan 34-7 in their Big Ten dual finale to claim a share of the Big Ten regular season dual meet championship. The Nittany Lions won eight of ten bouts, including seven straight to close out the dual. True freshman Nico Megaludis (Murrysville, Pa.), ranked No. 9 at 125, put on a takedown show in the first bout, posting 10 takedowns on route to a 22-10 major over Michigan's Grant Pizzo (with 3:19 in riding time). No. 16 Zac Stevens downed Nittany Lion sophomore Frank Martellotti (Pittsburgh, Pa.) 11-7 at 133 to cut Penn State's lead to one before No. 1 Kellen Russell majored Bryan Pearsall (Lititz, Pa.) 12-2 at 141 to give UM a 7-4 lead. Three-time All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.), undefeated and ranked No. 1 nationally, hammered No. 7 Eric Grajales, posting a 6-1 win with 3:13 in riding time. Red-shirt freshman Dylan Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.), ranked No. 6 at 157, followed that up with a 5-4 victory over Wolverine senior Brandon Zeerip to give Penn State a 10-7 lead heading into the halftime break. Top-ranked sophomore All-American David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio) hammered No. 14 Dan Yates at 165, posting a 15-0 technical fall at the 5:25 mark. Fellow sophomore All-American Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.), ranked No. 2 at 174, then dominated No. 8 Justin Zeerip to the tune of a 12-1 major with 3:50 in riding time. Two-time All-American Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.), ranked No. 2 at 184 as the defending national champion, then clinched the dual victory with a pin of UM's Hunter Collins at the 5:25 mark. With true freshman Morgan McIntosh (Santa Ana, Calif.) cleared to wrestle but held out as a precaution, red-shirt freshman 174-pounder Matt Brown (West Valley City, Utah) stepped up two weights once more and this time took down a ranked wrestler. Brown posted a late takedown to post a 3-1 win over No. 15 Max Huntley. Senior Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio), ranked No. 6 at heavyweight, capped off a resounding win by pinning No. 10 Ben Apland at the 3:58 mark to give the Nittany Lions the lopsided 34-7 win. The Nittany Lions are now 11-1 overall, and 7-1 in the Big Ten, while Michigan falls to 6-5, 4-4. Penn State's 7-1 conference mark sets a new school record for Big Ten wins in a season and helped the team share the conference's regular season dual meet crown with Minnesota. Penn State's dominating performance showed up in the match's stats as well. The Nittany Lions won eight of ten bouts and picked up ten bonus points off two pins, a tech fall and two majors. The Nittany Lions owned a lopsided 24-9 edge in takedowns. The Nittany Lions will head west to take on Utah Valley in a non-conference dual set for Saturday, Feb. 11, at 9 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Mountain (local to site). Penn State's final home dual of the season takes place on Sunday, Feb. 19, when the Lions entertain No. 9 Pittsburgh at 2 p.m. While seats for the dual are now sold out, a limited number of Standing Room Only tickets remain. Fans can purchase these SRO ducats by calling 1-800-NITTANY or in person at the Bryce Jordan Center box office. The full season slate of live dual meet and tournament action will air locally on WRSC AM (1390 AM) with Friday evening duals being simulcast on WRSC FM (103.1 FM). Lock Haven's WBPZ (1230 AM) will also carry the entire season live, WIEZ (670 AM) in Huntingdon/Lewistown carries all Sunday events and further affiliates may be added soon. The regular season schedule of radio broadcasts will be streamed live at www.GoPSUsports.com as part of Penn State's All-Access package, which will also feature live video streams of many home events. Ticket information is accessed easily online at www.GoPSUsports.com/tickets/m-wrestl-tickets.html . Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstatepat and on Penn State Wrestling's facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling. The 2011-12 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline. Results: 125: #9 Nico Megaludis PSU maj. dec. Grant Pizzo UM, 22-10 4-0 133: #16 Zac Stevens UM dec. Frank Martellotti PSU, 11-7 4-3 141: #1 Kellen Russell UM maj. dec. Bryan Pearsall PSU, 12-2 4-7 149: #1 Frank Molinaro PSU dec. #7 Eric Grajales UM, 6-1 7-7 157: #6 Dylan Alton PSU dec. Brandon Zeerip UM, 5-4 10-7 165: #1 David Taylor PSU tech fall #14 Dan Yates UM, 15-0 (TF; 5:25) 15-7 174: #2 Ed Ruth PSU maj. dec. #8 Justin Zeerip UM, 12-1 19-7 184: #2 Quentin Wright PSU pinned Hunter Collins UM, WBF (4:22) 25-7 197: Matt Brown PSU dec. #15 Max Huntley UM, 3-1 28-7 285: #6 Cameron Wade PSU pinned #10 Ben Apland UM, WBF (3:58) 34-7 Attendance: 6,671 Records: #2 Penn State 11-1, 7-1 B1G; #12 Michigan 6-5, 4-4 B1G Up Next for Penn State: at Utah Valley, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m. BOUT-BY-BOUT: 125: True freshman Nico Megaludis (Murrysville, Pa.), ranked No. 9 at 125, faced off against Michigan sophomore Grant Pizzo. Megaludis wasted no time taking Pizzo down, using a single leg to grab an early lead. The Lion let Pizzo up right away and quickly turned a low ankle pick into another takedown and a 4-2 lead (after cutting Pizzo loose). Putting on a takedown clinic in the first, Megaludis added three more takedowns before spending the final :30 looking for a turning combination. Megaludis rode Pizzo out and carried the 10-4 lead into the second period. Pizzo chose down to start the third period and Megaludis cut the Wolverine loose to a 10-5 score. Megaludis took Pizzo down at the 1:22 mark, cut him loose but fell into a takedown to lead 12-8. Megaludis escaped at the :40 marks, quickly took Pizzo down to lead 15-8 and then rode him out to carry that lead and over 2:00 riding time into the second stanza. Megaludis chose neutral to start the third period and dove through a low double to another takedown just :10 into the stanza. A Pizzo escape was swiftly followed by another Megaludis takedown. Megaludis worked to another takedown with :20 left to lead 21-10 and then rode Pizzo out to post the strong 22-10 major with 3:19 riding time. 133: Nittany Lion Frank Martellotti (Pittsburgh, Pa.) took on No. 16 Zac Stevens at 133. Martellotti and the ranked Stevens battled evenly for the first half of the opening period before Martellotti took a blood time out with the bout scoreless. Stevens got in on a single leg on the reset and took Martellotti down at the 1:09 mark to take a 2-1 lead after a quick Martellotti escape. Stevens countered a Martellotti shot at the :30 mark for another takedown and, with a ride out, led 4-1 after the opening period. Stevens chose down to start the second period and quickly reversed Martellotti to lead 6-1 just :20 into action. Stevens then controlled the Nittany Lion sophomore until the 1:00 mark before he escaped and cut the lead to 6-2. Down by four, Martellotti chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 6-3 deficit. But Stevens moved around Martellotti for another takedown to up his lead to 8-4 at the 1:28 mark. Stevens tacked on one more takedown on and then Martellotti took the Wolverine senior down for a takedown of his own to cut the lead to 10-7 at the :45 mark. Martellotti worked to turn Stevens for back points, but Stevens was able to kill the clock to escape with an 11-7 victory. 141: Facing his second top-five opponent in three nights, Penn State junior Bryan Pearsall (Lititz, Pa.) met top-ranked Kellen Russell at 141. Russell notched the first takedown early to lead 2-1 with 2:12 on the clock as Pearsall escaped quickly. Pearsall fought off a couple more Russell scoring attacks over the next minute before Russell connected on a high single leg for another takedown with :40 left. Russell then added three back points as the period wound down to lead 7-1 after one. Russell chose down to start the second period and reversed Pearsall to up his lead to 9-1. Trailing by eight, Pearsall chose down to start the final period and was allowed up to a 9-2 deficit. Pearsall countered a Russell shot as the bout wound down, nearly notching a takedown. But Russell was able to fight off the final blast and added a late takedown and riding time point to post the 12-2 major decision. 149: Three-time All-American Frank Molinaro (Barnegat, N.J.), ranked No. 1 at 149, met Michigan's Eric Grajales, who was ranked No. 7. Molinaro set the tempo early, forcing Grajales backwards from each starting whistle before connecting on a fast high single duck-under to lead 2-0 with 1:57 on the clock. Grajales escaped quickly but Molinaro used another high single to take Grajales down and then began working for a turning combination. Molinaro dominated action from the top, riding Grajales out to lead 4-1 with 1:26 in riding time after the opening period. Molinaro chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-1 lead. The Lion continued to force Grajales backwards as the Wolverine worked the edge of the mat. Molinaro fought off Grajales first shot at the :12 mark of the second period and led 5-1 with 1:13 riding time after two. Grajales chose down to start the final period but could not break free of Molinaro as the Lion senior tacked on over a minute's more riding time to clinch the bonus point. The top-ranked Nittany Lion then kept Grajales bellied out for the remainder of the match, posting the 6-1 major with 3:13 riding time. 157: Red-shirts freshman Dylan Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.), ranked No. 6 at 157, took on Brandon Zeerip. Alton took Zeerip down right out of the gates and led 2-1 after a quick Zeerip escape. Alton nearly added a second score, but Zeerip was able to work his way out of bounds in front of the Michigan bench to keep the bout close with 1:38 left. The senior Wolverine countered an Alton shot and took a 3-2 lead with :24 on the clock. A ride out allowed the Wolverine to lead 3-2 after one period. Zeerip chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 4-2 lead. Alton gained control of Zeerip's left thigh but was countered and action moved out of bounds with the Nittany Lion still down by two. Alton drove through Zeerip at the :20 mark and worked his way for a tying takedown and rode the Wolverine out to tie the bout at 4-4 after two periods. Alton chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 5-4 lead. Alton nearly connected on another high double, but Zeerip fought off the move and shifted action out of bounds at the 1:00 mark with Alton still leading by one. Alton fought off a late Zeerip flurry and escaped with a 5-4 win, putting Penn State up 10-7 heading into the lockerroom. 165: All-American David Taylor (St. Paris, Ohio), ranked No. 1 at 165, met No. 14 Dan Yates. Taylor used shoulder control to toss Yates to the mat at the 1:50 mark for his first takedown. He then maintained control of Yates for over a minute and gained control of his arm for three back points and a 5-0 lead after one period (with 1:54 riding time). Taylor chose down to start the second period and steadily worked his way to an escaped and a 6-0 lead. Taylor turned a low ankle pick into a takedown and four near fall points (three back points and blood time) to up his lead to 12-0 at the :28 mark. Taylor then rode Yates out to carry that lead into the third period. Yates chose down to start the final period but Taylor made quick work of him, turning him for a final three-point near fall and a 15-0 technical fall at the 5:25 mark. 174: All-American Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.), ranked No. 2 at 174, faced off against No. 8 Justin Zeerip. Ruth wasted no time in getting in on a single leg, gaining control of Zeerip off the opening whistle and taking the eighth-ranked Wolverine down for an early lead. Ruth spent the bulk of the period in control, looking for an opportunity to lock a cradle and turn Zeerip to his back. Zeerip got hit for a first stall warning at the 1:20 mark. Ruth continued to control the action from the top position for the remainder of the period, picking up a late stall point to lead 3-0 with 2:37 riding time after one. Ruth chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 4-0 lead. The rest of the period was uneventful and Ruth led 4-0 after two. Zeerip chose down to start the third period and escaped to a 4-1 deficit. Ruth countered a Zeerip shot and notched a takedown on the edge of the mat to lead 6-1 with 1:27 left. Zeerip gave up another stall point and Ruth led 7-1 with a clinched riding time point with :48 left. Ruth then turned the Wolverine for three near fall points and a 10-1 lead. Another stall point and a riding time point gave Ruth a 12-1 major with 3:50 riding time. 184: Defending national champion Quentin Wright (Wingate, Pa.), ranked No. 2 at 184, met Michigan's Hunter Collins. Wright spent the first minute looking for a chance to score and broke through with a takedown at the 1:58 mark. The Lion junior then spent a minute work for back points and turned him for three with :50 on the clock, taking a 5-0 lead. Collins escaped but Wright used a slick low single to take him down with just :01 on the clock to lead 7-1 after the opening period. Collins chose down to start the second period and escaped, but Wright quickly caught him in a throw, tossing him to mat for a blistering pin at the 4:22 mark that sent the sell-out Lion crowd to its feet. 197: True freshman Morgan McIntosh (Santa Ana, Calif.), ranked No. 12 at 197, was once again held out as a precaution. Red-shirt freshman Matt Brown (West Valley City, Utah), who weighed in at 174, moved up two weights once more and this time met No. 15 Max Huntley of Michigan. The duo battled through an even first period with neither man finding a chance to score. Huntley chose down to start the second period and worked his way to an escape and a 1-0 lead. McIntosh was the aggressor during the third period, forcing Huntley to the edge of the mat throughout the period. Brown could not break through to score and chose down to start the third period. The Lion freshman escaped to a 1-1 tie with 1:40 on the clock and immediately began forcing Huntley backwards once again. Huntley got hit with a first stall warning with 1:25 on the clock. Brown worked to get in on a high single, but Huntley was able to fight off the move and keep the bout tied at 1-1 with :30 on the clock. Huntley then shot, but Brown countered the move, took the ranked 197-pounder down and sent the crowd to its feet once more with a 3-1 win. 285: Senior Cameron Wade (Twinsburg, Ohio), ranked No. 6 at heavyweight, battled No. 10 Ben Apland of Michigan. Wade got the bout's first takedown early, using a low single to open up a 2-0 lead early. Wade then dominated the action from the top position, turning Apland to his back for three near fall points and a 5-0 lead with 1:00 on the clock. Wade reset himself and gained control of Apland's arm and turning him once more for three back points. Wade led 8-0 with 2:37 riding time after one period. Wade chose top to start the second period

NORFOLK, Va. -- The No. 25 Old Dominion University Wrestling team defeated their third ranked opponent of the season on Sunday afternoon in thrilling fashion as they defeated No. 22 Central Michigan, 18-17, at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. The Monarchs (12-8) faced a 10-0 deficit after the first three matches and then reeled off four straight victories and five wins in the final seven bouts to hold off the Chippewas (12-6) for their first ever win against Central Michigan in four attempts. Starting at 125 pounds, redshirt freshman Jerome Robinson hung tough for ODU but could not overtake No. 17 Joe Roth as CMU won, 4-1. Tyler Keselring then held off a late charge by sophomore Scott Festejo at 133 pounds with a 9-7 win. Wrestling in just his third collegiate dual, true freshman Taylor Moeder lost via major decision at 141 pounds to CMU's Scott Mattingly to give the Chippewas the 10-0 quick lead. Redshirt junior Brennan Brumley, a native of Center Line, Mich., turned things around for ODU at 149 pounds as he earned a late takedown of Joey Kielbasa for a 4-1 win. Redshirt sophomore No. 23 John Nicholson then won his 12th consecutive match when earned a thrilling 5-3 decision over CMU's Donnie Corby at 157 pounds. In what proved to be the marquee match of the day and a critical win for the Monarchs, sophomore #26 Tristan Warner's third period takedown and near fall proved to be the match-winner over #24 Mike Ottinger in a 5-2 win. Senior #12 Te Edwards then put Old Dominion in front in the match at 174 pounds when he pinned Ryan Quinn at the 5:14 mark. At 184 pounds, redshirt sophomore Billy Curling had his hands full with No. 5 Ben Bennett who earned an 8-0 major decision to pull the Chippewas within one point of the team lead at 15-14. Senior Joe Budi would double up Chad Friend at 197 pounds, 6-3 to bump the Monarch lead back up. With No. 17 Peter Sturgeon for Central Michigan looming at heavyweight, redshirt junior Grant Chapman went to work for the Monarchs. Needing a major decision to tie and a tech fall or pin for a team win, Sturgeon pushed Chapman but the Monarch gave up just an escape point in the final period and a riding time point to the Chippewas' nationally ranked big man to seal the win for Old Dominion, 18-17. The Monarchs will honor seniors Joe Budi and Te Edwards in their final home dual of the season on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. when they host North Carolina State at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. The ODU All-Decade Team will be honored at intermission as well. Head Coach Steve Martin invites all fans, friends, faculty/staff and students to come out and support the team. A pre-match social will begin at 6 p.m. in the Big Blue Room with complimentary beverages and a highlight video of the season. RSVP by Feb. 8 at ODUSports.com/events and enter code: WR0209 or call 757.683.3359. If you can't make the pre-match social, bring a canned food item or a coat and get in to the match for $1. All proceeds will go to the Salvation Army. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for youth and all ODU students get in for free. Results: 125: #17 Joe Roth (CMU) dec. Jerome Robinson (ODU), 4-1 133: Tyler Keselring (CMU) dec. Scott Festejo (ODU), 9-7 141: Scott Mattingly (CMU) major dec. Taylor Moeder (ODU), 9-1 149: Brennan Brumley (ODU) dec. Joey Kielbasa (CMU), 4-1 157: #23 John Nicholson (ODU) dec. Donnie Corby (CMU), 5-3 165: #26 Tristan Warner (ODU) dec. #24 Mike Ottinger (CMU), 5-2 174: #12 Te Edwards (ODU) fall Ryan Quinn (CMU), 5:14 184: #5 Ben Bennett (CMU) major dec. Billy Curling (ODU), 8-0 197: Joe Budi (ODU) dec. Chad Friend (CMU), 6-3 285: #17 Peter Sturgeon (CMU) dec. Grant Chapman (ODU, 2-0

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa wrestling team won nine of 10 bouts to top Wisconsin, 39-3, Sunday afternoon inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes scored the first 33 takedowns and finished the day with a 36-2 takedown advantage. The dual was Iowa's final home contest of the regular season. Iowa finished the home schedule averaging a national record 9,014 fans in six home dates, breaking its previous record of 8,209 set last season. The Hawkeyes (11-3, 6-2) opened the dual with consecutive technical falls at 125 and 133. Junior Matt McDonough recorded four takedowns and scored 11 nearfall points en route a 20-2 win over Austin Hietpas at 125 pounds. The win was the 15th straight for McDonough. It was also his first technical fall of the season. Sophomore Tony Ramos followed suit with his team-best sixth technical fall of the season. Ramos piled up six first-period takedowns and collected 5:17 of riding time in a 25-7 win over Shane McQuade. Senior Montell Marion, wrestling his final match inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, totaled 10 takedowns and 3:57 of riding time to earn a 21-7 major decision over Thomas Glenn. The major was Marion's team-high eighth of the season. Wisconsin (5-10, 0-8) then forfeited the 149-pound matchup to extend Iowa's team lead to 20-0. Sophomore Derek St. John stretch the led to 23-0 with a 6-1 decision against Shawn Perry at 157. St. John grabbed the leg of Perry in the opening minute, finished the takedown and then rode the Badger for the remaining 2:02 of the period. He opened the second frame with an escape to extend his lead to 3-0 and scored an early takedown in the third period to build a 5-0 lead. He eventually surrendered an escape but finished with 1:56 of riding time to earn the final 6-1 decision. St. John was making his first appearance since Jan. 20 and only his second appearance since suffering a knee injury Dec. 8 against Northern Iowa. He is now 12-1 this season. Redshirt freshman Mike Evans continued the Hawkeye scoring parade with a pin following the intermission. Evans scored a first period takedown against No. 12 Ben Jordan before flattening the Badger in 3:23 to extend the Hawkeye lead to 29-0. The pin was Evans' seventh of the season. Sophomore Ethen Lofthouse earned Iowa's fifth bonus-point victory with a 16-5 major decision over Frank Cousins. Lofthouse scored six takedowns and accumulated 1:49 of riding time to earn his second major of the season. Senior Vinnie Wagner closed his Carver-Hawkeye career with a 6-1 decision at 184. Wagner scored a single takedown in both the first and second periods to build a 4-1 edge and added a third period escape to extend his lead to 5-1. He finished the bout with 1:18 of riding time for the final 6-1 decision, extending Iowa's lead to 36-0. Wisconsin scored its first takedown of the day when Jackson Hein scored a quick two points against Iowa's Tomas Lira at 197. Hein had built a 7-2 lead entering the third period before Lira attacked for a pair of takedowns in the final minute. The Hawkeye sophomore pulled within one point, 8-7, before running out of time in a 9-7 loss. Leading the team race 36-3, redshirt freshman Bobby Telford put the finishing touches on the dual with a 4-0 win against Cole Tobin in the heavyweight match. Telford scored a first period takedown, a second period escape and added 1:24 of riding time to earn his fifth straight win. The Hawkeyes return to the mat Sunday, Feb. 12, at the NWCA National Dual tournament in Ames, Iowa. The tournament will be broadcast by AM-800 KXIC and streamed online at hawkeyesports.com via Hawkeye All-Access. NOTES: Attendance was 6,809… Iowa averaged a national record 9,014 fans in six duals (the Iowa City duals do not count toward national attendance averages)… Iowa broke its previous attendance average of 8,209, set last season through six home dates… Iowa won at least nine of 10 dual matches for the fourth time this season… Iowa has won 20 straight Big Ten home duals… Eight Hawkeye seniors were honored after the dual, including Brodie Ambrose, Tyler Clark, Stew Gillmor, Tyler Halverson, J.J. Krutsinger, Montell Marion, Blake Rasing and Vinnie Wagner. Results: #5 University of Iowa 39, University of Wisconsin 3 125 - Matt McDonough (I) tech. fall Austin Hietpas (W), 20-2; TS 5-0 133 - Tony Ramos (I) tech. fall Shane McQuade (W), 25-7; TS 10-0 141 - Montell Marion (I) major dec. Thomas Glenn (W), 21-7; 14-0 149 - Mike Kelly (I) won by forfeit; TS 20-0 157 - Derek St. John (I) dec. Shawn Perry (W), 6-1; TS 23-0 165 - Mike Evans (I) pinned Ben Jordan (W), 2:23; TS 29-0 174 - Ethen Lofthouse (I) major dec. Frank Cousins (W), 16-5; 33-0 184 - Vinnie Wagner (I) dec. Timmy McCall (W), 6-1; TS 36-0 197 - Jackson Hein (W) dec. Tomas Lira (I), 9-7; TS 36-3 Hwt. - Bobby Telford (I) dec. Cole Tobin (W), 4-0; TS 39-3

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- With four big wins to close out the dual – two of those with bonus points – the No. 13 Missouri Tigers (12-3, 3-2 Big 12) defeated the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners (12-3 (2-2 Big 12) by a 25-12 final on Sunday. The big win came on Senior Day, where the Tigers recognized Jacob Guerrant, Dorian Henderson, Brandon Wiest and Patrick Wright for their contributions to the Missouri wrestling program. Just as they did on Saturday, the Tigers jumped out to a 6-0 lead with wins in the first two matches. Sophomore Alan Waters picked up his second win of the weekend over a ranked opponent, knocking off No. 8 Jarrod Patterson with a 7-0 shutout. Waters was 0-2 in his career against Patterson before Sunday's victory. At 133, No. 8 Nathan McCormick earned a crucial victory against No. 10 Jordan Keller, winning 5-3. Keller took the early lead with a reversal in the second period but McCormick reversed him back 30 seconds later, evening the score at 2-2. In the third, McCormick landed another reversal and rode Keller down to one second left to secure the riding time point. The win over Keller was the second on the season for McCormick, as he defeated the Sooner by a 2-1 score in Norman. Oklahoma evened things up with a late third period pin by No. 3 Kendric Maple at 141 pounds, but a sudden victory win by Kyle Bradley over No. 9 Nick Lester put the Tigers back ahead. The two were scoreless after regulation, as each grappler rode the other out in the second and third periods. With seven seconds left in sudden victory, Bradley fought off a deep shot by Lester and turned it into his own score to clinch the match. The Sooners took their first lead of the day with back-to-back wins at 157 and 165. No. 14 Matt Lester beat No. 15 Drake Houdashelt by a 6-1 decision, while Bubby Graham pulled out a 4-3 win over No. 20 Zach Toal to take a 12-9 lead. From that point on, however, it would be all Missouri, as they were victorious in the final four matches of the afternoon. No. 18 Dorian Henderson put the Tigers back in the lead with an 11-0 major decision over Kyle Detmer. Scoreless after the first, Henderson reversed Detmer in the second period and turned him for a pair of three-point near falls with under two seconds left in the period. He'd land another takedown in the third and added the riding time point, putting Missouri up 13-12. Junior Mike Larson extended the Tiger lead to 19-12 with a huge pin over Erich Schmidtke at 184 pounds. The two familiar foes battled to a 1-1 score in the third, when Larson landed a takedown and turned Schmidtke to his back for two more. Larson was able to hook the leg and stick Schmidtke for the fall with just 12 seconds left to give Missouri some breathing room. Larson had lost his last three contests to Schmidtke before Sunday's win. At 197, junior Brent Haynes used his strong riding abilities and a big third period to pull out the 6-3 win over Keldrick Hall. Haynes hit the first takedown of the match but Hall would escape in the second and scored a takedown of his own at the buzzer to go up 3-2. In the third, Haynes evened things up with an escape and took Hall down again with under a minute to go. He secured the extra point after accumulating 3:35 in riding time. Devin Mellon closed the match at heavyweight with a 3-2 victory over Kyle Colling, as he scored a late third period takedown on a double-leg, putting Colling to the mat. Mellon improves his record to 17-8 on the year with the win. Next weekend, Missouri will travel to Rutgers for the first round of the NWCA National Duals. Along with host Rutgers, the Tigers will be joined by Cal Poly, Kent State, Michigan and Minnesota in Piscataway, N.J. The winner of the regional will advance to the NWCA National Duals Final Four the following weekend. Stay tuned to mutigers.com for more information. Results: 125 No. 3 Alan Waters (MU) dec. No. 8 Jarrod Patterson (OU), 7-0 3 0 133 No. 8 Nathan McCormick (MU) dec. No. 10 Jordan Keller (OU), 5-3 6 0 141 No. 3 Kendric Maple (OU) fall Nicholas Hucke (MU), 6:21 6 6 149 Kyle Bradley (MU) dec. No. 11 Nick Lester (OU), 2-0 (SV) 9 6 157 No. 14 Matt Lester (OU) dec. No. 15 Drake Houdashelt (MU), 6-1 9 9 165 Bubby Graham (OU) dec. No. 20 Zach Toal (MU), 4-3 9 12 174 No. 18 Dorian Henderson (MU) major dec. Kyle Detmer (OU), 11-0 13 12 184 No. 15 Mike Larson (MU) fall Erich Schmidtke (OU), 6:48 19 12 197 No. 11 Brent Haynes (MU) dec. Keldrick Hall (OU), 6-3 22 12 HWT Devin Mellon (MU) dec. Kyle Colling (OU), 3-2 25 12

Related Content: Photos (The Guillotine) The No. 4 Minnesota Golden Gophers were crowned Big Ten dual champions this afternoon after smashing No. 7 Nebraska 26-7 inside the Sports Pavilion. Minnesota won eight matches in front of 3,663 fans and finished up the Big Ten portion of their schedule. With the win today Minnesota improves to 10-3 on the season and 7-1 in the Big Ten. Nebraska falls to 14-3 and 5-3 in the Big Ten. Logan Storley picked up the Gophers first win on the afternoon. Storley was in a dogfight until the end, but was able to pull away with the 5-2 decision. The Roslyn, S.D. native was honored before the dual an was presented with the Junior Hodge trophy, that is given to the nation's top high school wrestler in the country. Kevin Steinhaus (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine)Kevin Steinhaus would take the mat next for Minnesota in the afternoon's highlighted match. Steinhaus, ranked No. 8, scored a takedown with one second left to seal the 3-2 decision over Nebraska's No.7 Josh Ihnen. Steinhaus was down in the closing seconds, but was able to control the Huskers Josh Ihnen and score a late takedown. Sonny Yohn would then score a 6-1 decision over Spencer Johnson and Tony Nelson continued his hot streak after picking up an overtime win over Tucker Lane. Lane shot a single leg midway through the extra session, but Nelson was able to block it and turn it into his own takedown, to win the match 3-1 and put the Gophers on top 12-3 at halftime. After the intermission Zach Sanders took care of Nebraska's Shawn Nagel, beating him by a 24-13 major dec. Sanders is now 21-1 on the season is climbing up the all-time wins list for the Gophers. Both the Daradanes brothers (Chris and Nick) would pick up solid wins for Minnesota. Nick Dardanes scored a 15-6 major decision over the Huskers Ridge Kiley and Chris picked up a 3-2 victory over Jake Sueflohn. The final points for Minnesota were from Dylan Ness, who pulled out a 9-4 decision over the Huskers Brandon Wilbourn. Minnesota will next travel out east for the NWCA National Duals Regional Final. The Gophers will wrestle on in Piscataway, N.J. on Saturday afternoon. The time and opponent will be announced later this week. NOTE: Minnesota won the Big Ten Dual Championship this afternoon with its 26-7 win over No. 7 Nebraska….former NCAA heavyweight, WWE and UFC champion Brock Lesnar presented freshman Logan Storley with the Junior Hodge Trophy prior to today's dual….Tony Nelson has now won 13 straight matches for the Gophers. Results: 165 No. 6 Robert Kokesh (Nebraska) dec. Danny Zilverberg (Minnesota), 6-3 174 No. 6 Logan Storley (Minnesota) dec. Tyler Koehn (Nebraska), 5-2 184 No. 8 Kevin Steinhaus (Minnesota) dec. No. 7 Josh Ihnen (Nebraska), 3-2 197 No. 6 Sonny Yohn (Minnesota) dec. Spencer Johnson (Nebraska), 6-1 285 No. 4 Tony Nelson (Minnesota) dec. No. 9 Tucker Lane (Nebraska), 3-1 SV 125 No. 2 Zach Sanders (Minnesota) maj. dec. Shawn Nagel (Nebraska), 24-13 133 No. 7 Chris Dardanes (Minnesota) maj. dec. No. 18 Ridge Kiley (Nebraska), 15-6 141 No. 11 Nick Dardanes (Minnesota) dec. No. 5 Jake Sueflohn (Nebraska), 3-2 149 No. 10 Dylan Ness (Minnesota) dec. Brandon Wilbourn (Nebraska), 9-4 157 No. 7 James Green (Nebraska) maj. dec. Bart Reiter (Minnesota), 11-3

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Highlighted by key wins at 149 and 165 pounds, the No. 20 Virginia wrestling team scored a 24-12 victory over Rutgers Saturday night at Memorial Gymnasium. Virginia (8-1) won at seven of the 10 weight classes in picking up its sixth-consecutive dual-match victory. Gus Sako (So., Cleveland, Ohio) and No. 17 Nick Sulzer (R-Fr., Cleveland, Ohio) each scored upset victories at 149 and 165 pounds, respectively, for the Cavaliers, who were without injured starters Matt Snyder (R-Jr., Lewistown, Pa.) and Matt Nelson (R-Sr., Pittsburgh, Pa.) at 125 and 133. "I'm really excited," UVa head coach Steve Garland said. "We had two starters out tonight and when you go into a battle with Rutgers, which make no mistake is a very good team, we knew we had our work cut out for us. I'm ridiculously excited because our kids stepped up in a trying situation. It was an amazing night for us." Sako picked up a 5-3 decision over No. 5-ranked Mario Mason, while Sulzer notched a 5-2 victory over No. 13 Scott Winston. Rutgers (12-6) started with a 6-0 advantage after Virginia forfeited at 125 pounds. Filling in for Matt Nelson, Joseph Martinez (Fr., Platteville, Colo.) outlasted Joe Langel, 7-5, at 133 pounds to cut the lead in half. Holding a 4-3 lead entering the third, Martinez gave up an escape point before taking Langel down. He gave up another escape point but by that point had built up 2:58 in riding time to score a bonus point and win, 7-5. Eighth-ranked Nick Nelson (R-Sr., Pittsburgh, Pa.) improved to 20-2 this year and led throughout in a 6-3 win over Billy Ashnault (19-10) at 141. Nelson picked up a pair of first-period takedowns and built up 1:19 in riding time in the win. Sako (15-5) handed Mason just his second loss of the year at 149. Sako jumped Mason quickly with a takedown 20 seconds into the first period and then built up over a minute of riding time before Mason (16-2) escaped. Sako escaped to score the lone point in the second period. After Mason selected the down position to start the third, Sako held him down until 12 seconds remained when Mason reversed him. Mason allowed Sako to escape but could not score the takedown needed to tie the match. With 1:59 in riding time to earn the bonus point, Sako claimed a 5-3 victory. Reigning ACC Wrestler of the Week Jedd Moore (R-Jr., Mount Vernon, Ohio) dominated at 157 in a 15-0 technical fall over Anthony Volpe. Moore (17-5) scored a takedown 14 seconds into the third period to clinch the tech fall. Sulzer (20-5) took down Winston (16-5) midway through the first period but Winston promptly escaped. Sulzer chose the down position to start the second and escaped 50 seconds in to take a 3-1 lead to the third. Winston escaped quickly in the third, but Sulzer denied Winston's takedown attempts and countered with a takedown just before the final horn for the 5-2 win. Vinny Waldhauser (Fr., El Dorado Hills, Calif.) took No. 17 Greg Zannetti to the wire at 174 pounds before falling, 9-8. Waldhauser (17-13) started fast with a pair of first-period takedowns to take a 4-1 lead into the second. The match was tied 6-6 going to the third; Waldhauser escaped quickly, but Zannetti (23-3) took him down with 1:12 remaining, then held him down until just before the final horn while building up over a minute of riding time to claim the bonus point, which proved to be the difference. No. 14 Jon Fausey (R-So., Dalmatia, Pa.) dominated throughout in a 13-5 major decision over Dan Seidenberg at 184. Fausey improved to 18-3 with the win. Rutgers' Daniel Rinaldi then jumped to a 4-1 first-period lead en route to a 7-3 decision over Ryan Malo (Sr., Georgetown, Mass.) at 197. Derek Papagianopoulos (R-Fr., Burlington, Mass.) punctuated the Cavaliers' evening with a 4-0 win at heavyweight over Daniel Hopkins. After a scoreless first period, Papagianopoulos (8-2) took the bottom position and quickly escaped. He then scored a takedown with 46 seconds remaining in the period. Hopkins (6-10) selected bottom in the third, but Papagianopoulos kept him down the entire two minutes in winning the riding time point and the match, 4-0. Virginia hits the road next Saturday (Feb. 11) for a 6:30 p.m. dual at Appalachian State. Results: 125: Vincent Dellafave (Rutgers) won by forfeit; RU 6-0 133: Joseph Martinez (Virginia) dec. Joe Langel (Rutgers), 7-5; RU 6-3 141: Nick Nelson (Virginia) dec. Billy Ashnault (Rutgers), 6-3; tied at 6 149: Gus Sako (Virginia) dec. No. 5 Mario Mason (Rutgers), 5-3; UVa 9-6 157: Jedd Moore (Virginia) tech fall Anthony Volpe (Rutgers), 15-0 (5:14); UVa 14-6 165: No. 17 Nick Sulzer (Virginia) dec. No. 13 Scott Winston (Rutgers), 5-2; UVa 17-6 174: No. 17 Greg Zannetti (Rutgers) dec. Vinny Waldhauser (Virginia) 9-8; UVa 17-9 184: No. 14 Jon Fausey (Virginia) major dec. Dan Seidenberg (Rutgers), 13-5; UVa 21-9 197: Daniel Rinaldi (Rutgers) dec. Ryan Malo (Virginia), 7-3; UVa 21-12 285: Derek Papagianopoulos (Virginia) dec. Daniel Hopkins (Rutgers), 4-0; UVa 24-12 Back