InterMat Staff

MINNEAPOLIS -- Winning six of 10 matches, Augsburg College scored an 18-12 victory over the University of Nebraska-Omaha in a battle of the top-ranked teams in small-college wrestling on Friday night at Augsburg's Si Melby Hall. Augsburg (9-0 in dual meets), ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division III national rankings, claimed four wins in the middle of the match to pull ahead of Nebraska-Omaha (5-1), ranked No. 1 in the Division II national poll. The loss snapped an 18-match dual-meet winning streak for the Mavericks. The Auggies clinched the victory when Jared Massey (JR, Circle Pines, Minn./Centennial HS) topped Jacob Marrs (SR, Oak Hill, Kan./Clay Center HS) 6-2 in battle of the top-ranked wrestlers at 197 pounds in their respective divisions. The win improved Massey's record to 14-0 on the season, and he is now 45-1 in his two seasons at Augsburg. One of the most important wins in the match came in the opening bout, as Augsburg's Josh Roberts (SO, Grand Forks, N.D./Central HS) claimed a 5-4 victory over UNO's No. 2-ranked Terrell McKinney (FY, Omaha, Neb./North HS) at 125 pounds. Roberts tied the bout with an escape with 20 seconds left in the second period, then in the down position to open the third period, quickly escaped again and held off McKinney to score the upset win. After the Auggies lost the next two battles, they rattled off four straight wins to take the lead for good. Lucas Murray (JR, Anoka, Minn.) used an escape and takedown in a 17-second span midway through the second period to score a 3-1 win at 149. At 157, Augsburg's No. 5-ranked Jason Adams (SR, Coon Rapids, Minn.) improved to 29-2 on the season, rallying from 2-1 deficit with a takedown and three-point near-fall in the third period to claim a 6-3 win over UNO's No. 2-ranked George Ivanov (FY, Council Bluffs, Iowa/Lewis Central HS). At 165, Orlando Ponce (JR, Hialeah, Fla./Hialeah-Miami Lakes HS), ranked No. 6 in Division III, used an escape and takedown in the third period to score a 5-3 win over UNO's No. 4-ranked Ryan Pankoke (JR, Beaver Crossing, Neb./Centennial HS), and at 174, Augsburg's No. 3-ranked Zach Molitor (JR, Cambridge, Minn./Cambridge-Isanti HS) used two takedowns and 3:46 of riding time to score a 6-0 win over Brett Rosedale (SO, Marshalltown, Iowa/East Marshalltown HS). Nebraska-Omaha claimed four wins, including three in battles of ranked wrestlers. Cody Garcia (SR, Hutchinson, Kan.), the No. 2-ranked wrestler in Division II at 133, claimed a 10-6 win over Augsburg's No. 6-ranked Paul Bjorkstrand (SR, Burnsville, Minn.). In the following match, No. 3-ranked Mario Morgan (JR, Chicago, Ill./Mt. Carmel HS) claimed a 9-2 win over Augsburg's No. 5-ranked Jafari Vanier (SR, Minneapolis, Minn./Bloomington Kennedy HS). At heavyweight, No. 2-ranked Elijah Madison (FY, Kansas City, Mo./Oak Park HS) scored a 2-0 win for UNO over Augsburg's No. 7-ranked Andy Witzel (SR, Fulda, Minn.), and the Mavericks' No. 6-ranked Austin Boehm (SO, Urbandale, Iowa) scored a 13-6 win over Augsburg's Brad Baus (SO, Mukwonago, Wis.) at 184. Augsburg is now 4-2 in the all-time series with Nebraska-Omaha. Since 1989-90, the Auggies are now 247-21 against opponents from Divisions II and III, losing just 16 matches to non-Division I teams since the 1995-96 campaign. Both teams return to action against ranked opponents in their respective divisions this weekend. Augsburg travels to face No. 6-ranked Wisconsin-La Crosse on Sunday (1/24) at 2 p.m. Nebraska-Omaha travels to face No. 8-ranked St. Cloud State on Saturday (1/23) at 2 p.m. No. 1 (D-III) Augsburg (Minn., 9-0) 18, No. 1 (D-II) Nebraska-Omaha (5-1) 12 Action begins at 125 pounds. Time of match: 1:55 Attendance: 518. Official: Jerry Reker. Results: 125 -- Josh Roberts (AUG, 12-6) dec. No. 2 Terrell McKinney (UNO, 20-8) 5-4 (Augsburg 3-0). 133 -- No. 2 Cody Garcia (UNO, 34-0) dec. No. 6 Paul Bjorkstrand (AUG, 22-6) 10-6 (TIED 3-3). 141 -- No. 3 Mario Morgan (UNO, 26-3) dec. No. 5 Jafari Vanier (AUG, 6-3) 9-2 (UNO 6-3). 149 -- Lucas Murray (AUG, 12-6) dec. Tait Weatherbee (UNO, 14-14) 3-1 (TIED 6-6). 157 -- No. 5 Jason Adams (AUG, 29-2) dec. No. 2 George Ivanov (UNO, 24-8) 6-3 (Augsburg 9-6). 165 -- No. 6 Orlando Ponce (AUG, 19-8) dec. No. 4 Ryan Pankoke (UNO, 22-6) 5-3 (Augsburg 12-6). 174 -- No. 3 Zach Molitor (AUG, 16-3) dec. Brett Rosedale (UNO, 10-10) 6-0 (Augsburg 15-6). 184 -- No. 6 Austin Boehm (UNO, 12-4) dec. Brad Baus (AUG, 13-9) 13-6 (Augsburg 15-9). 197 -- No. 1 Jared Massey (AUG, 15-0) dec. No. 1 Jacob Marrs (UNO, 25-6) 6-2 (Augsburg 18-9). HWT -- No. 2 Elijah Madison (UNO, 22-5) dec. No. 7 Andy Witzel (AUG, 15-6) 2-0 (Augsburg 18-12).

ITHACA, N.Y. -- The No. 6 ranked Big Red wrestling team finished in a 15-15 deadlock with No. 9 Lehigh on Friday night in Newman Arena. Each team won five decisions apiece to cause the match to end in a tie. For the Big Red Troy Nickerson (125), Mike Grey (133), Kyle Dake (141), Justin Kerber (165) and Mack Lewnes (174) all picked up wins. Cornell will play host to the New York State Collegiate Wrestling Championships this weekend in Newman Arena. Wrestling begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The dual began at 125 pounds with No. 2 Troy Nickerson facing Lehigh’s John McDonald. Nickerson went ahead early with a takedown and grabbed one more before the period was over. Neither wrestler was able to escape from their starting down positions in the second and third periods. With 1:27 in riding time, Nickerson picked up a 5-1 win. At 133 pounds, No. 7 Mike Grey took on No. 14 Matt Fisk. Grey notched his first takedown with around a minute off the clock. Fisk escaped, and Grey took a 4-0 lead with a takedown with 20 seconds left in the first. Grey chose to start the second period down and earned the only point of the period with an escape. Fisk escaped from his starting down position in the third, but Grey grabbed two more points with a takedown. Grey was awarded another point for Fisk earning his second stall warning, but Fisk grabbed a point with an escape. Grey put the Big Red up, 6-0, with an 8-3 decision. Freshman Kyle Dake faced No. 17 Seth Ciasulli at 141 pounds. The No. 2 ranked Big Red wrestler notched a takedown midway through the first period, but with five seconds left in the first Ciasulli tied the bout with a reversal. Ciasulli took a 3-2 lead with an escape to start the second period, but Dake notched his second takedown to grab back the lead. Dake escaped from his opening down position in the third and with 1:16 in riding time, won a 6-3 decision. Corey Manson and Joey Napoli were scoreless after the first period at 149 pounds. Manson couldn’t escape from his starting down position in the second. Manson let up Napoli in the start of the third period looking to score a takedown. The Mountain Hawk wrestler avoided the Big Red grappler and with 1:58 in riding time won a 2-0 decision. At 157 pounds, Lehigh’s Sean Bilodeau notched a reversal in the second period over John Basting for the only points of their bout. Lehigh came within three points of the Big Red with Bilodeau’s 2-0 decision. Lehigh’s Brandon Hatchett took down No. 16 Justin Kerber at 165 pounds with 24 seconds left in the first period. Kerber quickly tied the match with a reversal. Kerber chose to start the second period down on the mat but was unable to escape. Hatchett chose to start the third down and Kerber retained control long enough to dwindle riding time to under one minute. When the two wrestlers were brought back to neutral with 55 seconds left on the clock Kerber let up Hatchett with an optional start looking for a takedown. Hatchett was hit with his second stalling call with two seconds left on the clock to tie the match. Kerber won a 5-2 decision with a takedown with nine seconds left in sudden victory. At 174 pounds, No. 1 Mack Lewnes and No. 18 Robert Hamlin were scoreless after the first period. Hamlin notched the only point of the second period with escape. Lewnes tied the bout with an immediate escape in the third and took the lead with a takedown. Hamlin escaped, but Lewnes won a 3-2 decision. Nate Holley faced No. 15 David Craig at 184 pounds. Holley earned the first takedown, but Craig tied the bout with a reversal. Craig was up 9-3 in the third period when he let Holley up with 33 seconds left, looking for the major decision. Holley countered a shot by Craig and notched a takedown. Craig won a 10-6 decision. Craig’s win started momentum for the Lehigh team looking for a comeback. The Mountain Hawks’ Joe Kennedy sent a match against No. 5 Cam Simaz into sudden victory at 197 pounds after the two wrestlers were tied 1-1 after regulation. Kennedy won a 5-4 decision in the second overtime. At heavyweight, Josh Arnone and No. 6 Zach Rey were scoreless after the first period. Each wrestler escaped from their opening down positions. Rey won a 3-1 decision with a takedown with 18 seconds left in the match. With neither team earning bonus points, the match finished in a 15-15 tie. Cornell will be back in action on Saturday and Sunday for the New York State Collegiate Championships in Newman Arena. Results: 125: No. 2 Troy Nickerson (Cornell) dec. John McDonald (Lehigh), 5-1 (Cornell 3, Lehigh 0) 133: No. 7 Mike Grey (Cornell) dec. No. 14 Matt Fisk (Lehigh) , 8-3 (Cornell 6, Lehigh 0) 141: No. 2 Kyle Dake (Cornell) dec. No. 17 Seth Ciasulli (Lehigh), 6-3 (Cornell 9, Lehigh 0) 149: Joey Napoli (Lehigh) dec. Corey Manson (Cornell), 2-0, (Cornell 9, Lehigh 3) 157: Sean Bilodeau (Lehigh) dec. John Basting (Cornell), 0-2 (Cornell 9, Lehigh 6) 165: No. 16 Justin Kerber (Cornell) dec. Brandon Hatchett (Lehigh), 5-3 SV (Cornell 12, Lehigh 6) 174: No. 1 Mack Lewnes (Cornell) dec. No. 18 Robert Hamlin (Lehigh), 3-2 (Cornell 15, Lehigh 6) 184: No. 15 David Craig (Lehigh) dec. Nate Holley (Cornell), 10-6 197: Joe Kennedy (Lehigh) dec. No. 5 Cam Simaz (Cornell), 5-4 OT2 HWT: No. 6 Zach Rey (Lehigh) dec. Josh Arnone (Cornell), 3-1 (Cornell 15, Lehigh 15)

East Lansing, Mich. -- Trailing by a point on the road, and entering the final match of the evening against Michigan State, the Minnesota Wrestling team got the winning decision at heavyweight to clinch the 18-16 match victory. Ben Berhow (Hayward, Minn.) notched the winning decision over the Spartans Alan O'Donnell, gaining a 10-3 victory. Berhow scored an early takedown and led 5-0 before O'Donnell got on the board. The win was also just the second in five matches for Berhow as he broke out in a big way from a mid season slump. Just a match before, Sonny Yohn (Alamosa, Colo.) put the Gophers in position for the win, with an 8-2 decision over Tyler Dickenson. The 16th ranked Yohn ran out to an 8-0 lead, only surrendering a late Dickenson reversal with just 30 seconds left in the match. Heading into his match, Yohn and the Gophers trailed the Spartans 12-16 after a Michigan State win at 184. Yohn won for the third straight time at 197, his longest winning streak at the weight class since opening the season 4-0 at 197. Zach Sanders (Wabasha, Minn.) started the match strong for Minnesota with a pin of Brennan Lyon at 125. The fall was the sixth of the season for the sixth-ranked Sanders, and was his second fastest, coming just 3:59 into the match. Thane Antczak (Prairie Farm, Wis.) was called upon once again to fill in for an injured Jayson Ness (Bloomington, Minn.) but was given no favors in facing No. 1 Franklin Gomez at 133. Gomez proved his worth, earning a 12-2 major decision over Antczak. Mike Thorn (St. Michael, Minn.) put the Gophers back in the win column at 141 with an 11-4 win over the Spartans' Dan Osterman. Thorn surrendered the first takedown, but used an escape and takedown of his own to take a lead he would not relinquish, as he gave the Gophers a 9-4 lead in the match. Michigan State won three straight at 149, 157 and 165 to take a 13-9 with four matches to go. Scott Glasser (Bismarck, N.D.) stopped the Spartans streak with an 8-2 win at 174 over Ian Hinton. No. 8 Glasser continued on his hot streak, winning for the 13th time in his last 14 matches to draw the Gophers within one at 13-12. A Spartan win at 184 extended their lead to 16-12 before Yohn began the comeback. The Gophers improve to 6-4 on the season and 1-0 in Big Ten action. Michigan State falls for just the second time all season and sits at 6-2-1 and 0-1 in the conference. Minnesota returns to the mat tomorrow (Jan. 23) evening for a 6:00 p.m. dual with Michigan. Results: 125: No. 6 Zach Sanders pinned Brennan Lyon (3:59); Minnesota leads 6-0 133: No. 1 Franklin Gomez maj. dec. Thane Antczak, 12-2; Minnesota leads, 6-4 141: No. 6 Mike Thorn dec. Dan Osterman, 11-4; Minnesota leads, 9-4 149: No. 13 David Cheaz dec. No. 18 Mario Mason, 12-8; Minnesota leads, 9-7 157: Anthony Jones Jr. dec. Joe Grygelko, 3-1; MSU leads, 10-9 165: Kyle Bounds dec. Cody Yohn, 10-9; MSU leads, 13-9 174: No. 8 Scott Glasser dec. Ian Hinton, 8-2; MSU leads, 13-12 184: Nick Palmieri dec. Kaleb Young, 7-3; MSU leads, 16-12 197: No. 16 Sonny Yohn dec. Tyler Dickenson, 8-2; MSU leads, 16-15 HWT: Ben Berhow dec. Alan O'Donnell, 10-3; Minnesota wins, 18-16

PITTSBURGH -- The 18th-ranked Pitt wrestling team (12-1-1, 3-0 EWL) claimed a dominating EWL victory Thursday night with a 43-3 win over Cleveland State. The Panthers earned five bonus-point wins on the night including tech falls at 133 and 141, and pins at 184, 197 and 285. At 133, senior Jimmy Conroy (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) shut out Zech Huff, 16-0, in Pitt’s first action of the day. The match at 125 was won by Pitt by default for an 11-0 Panther lead. Sophomore Tyler Nauman (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) earned a technical fall, 17-2, over Mike Mencini at 141. In the middle of the lineup, the Panthers earned three decisions including wins a 149, 165 and 174. At 149, junior Kyle Patton (Johnstown, Pa./Westmont Hilltop) earned a 7-3 decision over Dan Castillo, Adam Counterman (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth) earned an 8-7 decision over Rob Michaels at 165 and David Sullivan (Dingmans Ferry, Pa./East Stroudsburg) earned a 3-2 win over Marcus Effner at 174. The Panthers rounded out the night with three pins. Zac Thomusseit (St. Paris, Ohio/St. Paris Graham) took down Nick Anthony in 4:41 at 184 and Matt Wilps (Pittsburgh, Pa./Chartiers Valley) pinned Jeff Schuller in 2:11. Ryan Tomei (Irwin, Pa./Penn-Trafford) rounded out the night for Pitt with a fall over Chris Weber (1:29) for the 43-3 team win. Pitt will return to action Saturday at 2 p.m. as the Panthers host Penn at Fitzgerald Field House. Results: 125: Anthony Zanetta (Pitt) wins by forfeit (6-0 Pitt) 133: Jimmy Conroy (Pitt) 16-0 Tech Fall Zech Huff (CSU) (11-0 Pitt) 141: Tyler Nauman (Pitt) 17-2 Tech Fall Mike Mencini (CSU) (16-0 Pitt) 149: Kyle Patton (Pitt) 7-3 dec. Dan Castillo (CSU) (19-0 Pitt) 157: Corey Carlo (CSU) 7-4 dec. Donnie Tasser (Pitt) (19-3 Pitt) 165: Adam Counterman (Pitt) 8-7 dec. Rob Michaels (CSU) (22-3 Pitt) 174: David Sullivan (Pitt) 3-2 dec. Marcus Effner (CSU) (25-3 Pitt) 184: Zac Thomusseit )(Pitt) Fall 4:41 Nick Anthony (CSU) (31-3 Pitt) 197: Matt Wilps (Pitt) Fall 2:11 Jeff Schuller (CSU) (37-3 Pitt) HWT: Ryan Tomei (Pitt) Fall 1:29 Chris Weber (CSU) (43-3 Pitt)

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Bucknell's Shane Riccio (Warren, N.J./Watchung Hills) picked up his 100th career win with a first-period pin and John Regan (Plum Borough, Pa./Kiski School) also recorded a pin to help the Bison overcome the absence of three-time NCAA qualifiers Andy Rendos (Brockway, Pa./Brockway Area) and David Marble (Harpursville, N.Y./Harpursville Area) from the lineup and defeat Brown 28-13 Thursday evening at Davis Gym. The victory improved Bucknell's record to 7-5 this season and 4-0 against EIWA competition, its best conference start since posting a 5-0 record in the East Coast Conference in 1987-88. The Bison wrestled without the All-American Rendos, who is out with a knee injury, and Marble, who failed to make weight at 133 pounds. Despite the shortened lineup, Bucknell defeated Brown for a third consecutive year. The 15-point differential marked the largest Bison victory in the six-match series. The 174-pound Riccio became the fifth Bucknell wrestler in the history of the program to reach the 100 career win mark as he pinned Ziad Kharbush with one second remaining in the first period. The six points clinched the victory for the Bison as their lead ballooned to 25-13 with one bout remaining. Riccio, who is 25-7 this year and 100-45 in his four-year career, joined Bobby Ferraro (118 wins), Rendos (108), Tom Marchetti (106) and Marble (100) in the century club. Regan's pin also came in the first period, but was much quicker than Riccio's. It took Regan just 20 seconds to pin T.J. Popolizio at 141 pounds. The victory helped the Bison reclaim the lead midway through the match after falling behind 9-6. It was the fourth pin of the year for Regan, who now owns a three-match winning streak and is an impressive 17-9 on the year. Overall, Bucknell won seven of the nine bouts contested, losing only at 125 and 165. Jay Hahn (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) and Joe McMullan (Easton, Pa./Wyoming Seminary) got things started with back-to-back convincing decisions at 197 and heavyweight, respectively, staking the Bison to an early 6-0 lead. Brown took its only lead of the match following a major decision victory at 125 and a forfeit win at 133. At 149 pounds, Kevin LeValley (Hugo, Colo./Limon), who is ranked seventh in the nation, won by major decision. A takedown with approximately 30 seconds remaining and one point for riding time gave LeValley the major decision over Philip Marano. Brantley Hooks (Spartanburg, S.C./James F. Byrnes) followed LeValley's win with a 9-2 decision at 157. He scored three takedowns and earned the riding-time point in the third period to extend a 2-0 lead to the final 9-2 margin. Rob Waltko (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) concluded the match with a 3-2 decision at 184. A takedown with 1:17 left staked him to a 3-1 lead and Bran Crudden managed only two third-period escapes. Prior to the match, four exhibition bouts were contested. Thursday's match marked the first of three in a four-day span for the Bison. They will wrestle at Liberty on Saturday at 3 p.m. and at Old Dominion Sunday at 2 p.m. Saturday's match will be on television in the Lynchburg, Va., area on the Flames Sports Network. Results: 125: Greg Einfrank (Br) maj. dec, Derrik Russell (Bu), 8-0 133: Nick Mazza (Br) wins by forfeit 141: John Regan (Bu) vs. T.J. Popolizio (Br) 149: No. 7 Kevin LeValley (Bu) maj. dec. Philip Marano (Br), 10-2 157: Brantley Hooks (Bu) dec. Gabriel Brotzman (Br), 9-2 165: Jeff Lemmer (Br) dec. Corey Lear (Bu), 9-6 174: No. 17 Shane Riccio (Bu) pinned Ziad Kharbush (Br), 2:59 184: Rob Waltko (Bu) dec. Bran Crudden (Br), 3-2 *197: Jay Hahn (Bu) dec. Branden Stearns (Br), 6-1 Hwt: Joe McMullan (Bu) dec. Larry Otsuka (Br), 7-3 *Starting weight

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- No. 7 Central Michigan won nine of 10 individual bouts and opened Mid-American Conference competition with a 34-3 win at Eastern Michigan Thursday night. The Chippewas (10-2 overall, 1-0 MAC) extended their winning streak over EMU (7-8-1, 0-1 MAC) to 19 matches dating back to 1991. CMU has won 58 of its last 60 conference duals. CMU scored bonus points in three matches: a pin by Matt Steintrager at 125 pounds and technical falls by Tyler Grayson and Ben Bennett at 174 and 184 pounds, respectively. "I thought it was a good start for us in the MAC," said CMU head coach Tom Borrelli. "I felt like we wrestled really well with the lineup we had tonight." The Chippewas won each of the first five bouts to build an 18-0 lead. Steintrager pinned EMU's Greg Egbert in the second period to open the dual. Scotti Sentes (133), Conor Beebe (141), Justin McDermitt (149) and Donnie Corby (157) followed with decisions to extend the Chippewas' advantage. Both McDermitt and Corby recorded their first career MAC dual victories. "They both did a really good job," Borrelli said. "Both of them got behind early and wrestled their way back to win. This was a good opportunity for them to continue to learn how to handle overcoming anxiety and performing in front of a crowd." Eastern Michigan's lone victory came at 165 pounds, where Alex Ortman edged CMU's Eric Cubberly, 4-3. Grayson, competing up a weight class from his normal 165 pounds, posted a 17-2 technical fall at 174 pounds over EMU's Nick Hendrick. Bennett, also competing up a weight, followed with a five-point technical fall of his own at 184 pounds, his first career MAC dual victory. CMU's Eric Simaz and Jarod Trice closed the match with decisions at 197 and 285 pounds, respectively. The Chippewas are off for a week before visiting Virginia Tech (Jan. 29) and Old Dominion (Jan. 31) next weekend. Results: 125: No. 10 Matt Steintrager (CMU) pin Greg Egbert, 4:14; CMU 6-0 133: No. 9 Scotti Sentes (CMU) dec. Sean Clair, 6-1; CMU 9-0 141: Conor Beebe (CMU) dec. Chris Jenkins, 9-3; CMU 12-0 149: Justin McDermitt (CMU) dec. David Pienaar, 6-4; CMU 15-0 157: Donnie Corby (CMU) dec. Aaron Sulzer, 4-3; CMU 18-0 165: Alex Ortman (EMU) dec. Eric Cubberly, 4-3; CMU 18-3 174: No. 19 Tyler Grayson (CMU) tech. fall Nick Hendrick, 17-2 (7:00); CMU 23-3 184: No. 9 Ben Bennett (CMU) tech. fall Phillip Joseph, 18-3 (7:00); CMU 28-3 197: Eric Simaz (CMU) dec. Josh Lewis, 6-1; CMU 31-3 285: No. 3 Jarod Trice (CMU) dec. Wes Schroeder, 3-1; CMU 34-3

Tonight No. 11 Indiana will battle No. 19 Wisconsin at the UW Fieldhouse in Madison, Wisconsin. The dual meet will air live on the Big Ten Network at 7 p.m. CST. Indiana comes into the dual meet with a perfect 11-0 record, while Wisconsin is 4-6. The Badgers have won the last six meetings over the Hoosiers dating back to 2003. Below is a weight-by-weight breakdown of the dual meet. 125: No. 1 Angel Escobedo (Indiana) vs. Drew Hammen (Wisconsin) Escobedo, a 2008 NCAA champion and three-time All-American, has been dynamite this season, going 22-0 and winning both the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and the Southern Scuffle. He has benefited greatly from the return of two-time NCAA champion Joe Dubuque, who returned to the coaching staff of his alma mater after three seasons as an assistant coach at Hofstra. Hammen has struggled this season, going 5-12 and losing his last six matches. Bottom Line: Escobedo is one of the nation's top wrestlers, while Hammen is trying to find his way in Division I wrestling. Escobedo should dominate an overmatched Hammen. Prediction: Esccobedo (Indiana) pins Hammen (Wisconsin) 133: Matt Ortega/Geno Capezio (Indiana) vs. No. 8 Tyler Graff (Wisconsin) Graff is one of the nation's top freshmen. After going 18-2 last season as a redshirt, Graff has stepped into the Badger lineup this season and made an immediate impact. He is currently 17-4 this season. He won a Midlands title last month, winning in the championship match 18-5 over returning All-American Steve Bell of Maryland. He has beaten Bell twice, as well as 2008 All-American Nick Fanthorpe of Iowa State and 2009 All-American Scotti Sentes of Central Michigan. Ortega is 9-10 this season, but has dropped his last four matches. Capezio is 5-6, which includes a 13-5 loss to No. 10 Danny Mitcheff of Kent State. Bottom Line: Graff has established himself as a legitimate All-American threat as a freshman, while Ortega and Capezio have combined to post a 14-16 record against subpar competition. Graff has earned bonus points in eight of his nine matches against unranked opponents, so he should be able to get bonus points in this one. Prediction: Graff (Wisconsin) major dec. Ortega (Wisconsin) 141: Danny Monaco/Max Ortega (Indiana) vs. No. 20 Cole Schmitt (Wisconsin) Schmitt, a freshman, broke into the national rankings this week for the first time this season, coming in at No. 20. At the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals, Schmitt knocked off returning All-Americans Chris Drouin of Arizona State and Alex Krom of Maryland. The Hoosiers have been using both Monaco and Ortego at this weight class. Ortega (15-7), a true freshman who was a five-time New Mexico state champion, has a better record than Monaco (10-9) … but Monaco has faced stiffer competition. Bottom Line: Schmitt has proven that he can not only compete with the nation's top 141-pounders, but also beat them. However, he has also shown come inconsistency. He has 10 losses and four have come to wrestlers not currently ranked in the top 20 in Division I. Monaco and Ortega came to Indiana with impressive high school credentials, but both are struggling right now. Prediction: Schmitt (Wisconsin) dec. Monaco (Indiana) 149: Matt Coughlin (Indiana) vs. No. 2 Kyle Ruschell (Wisconsin) Ruschell, who placed third at the NCAA Championships last season, has beaten every wrestler he has faced this season not named Brent Metcalf. He won the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational in December, which included victories over No. 3 Lance Palmer of Ohio State and No. 6 Jason Chamberlain of Boise State. He is currently 19-1 with his lone loss coming in the finals of the Midlands to Metcalf. Coughlin earned All-American honors as a freshman in 2006, but has battled injuries and has not been able to get back to that level. He comes into tonight's match with a 15-7 record. Bottom Line: Ruschell is wrestling at a very high level right now and should be able to handle Coughlin. Prediction: Ruschell (Wisconsin) dec. Coughlin (Indiana) 157: No. 7 Kurt Kinser (Indiana) vs. Greg Burke (Wisconsin) Kinser, a two-time NCAA qualifier, is 17-3 and ranked No. 7. He finished runner-up at the Southern Scuffle, losing in the fourth tiebreaker to No. 6 Thomas Scotton of North Carolina. At the Indiana Duals, Kinser was completely dominated by No. 3 Steve Fittery of American, losing by technical fall (17-1). Burke has been struggling this season. He is 4-12 and has lost five of his last six matches. Bottom Line: Kinser is a heavy favorite in this match and will be looking for bonus points. Prediction: Kinser (Indiana) pins Burke (Wisconsin) 165: No. 13 Paul Young (Indiana) vs. No. 1 Andrew Howe (Wisconsin) This is the marquee matchup of the dual meet. Howe, an NCAA runner-up last season as a true freshman, has been perfect this season, going 20-0. He won both the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and the Midlands. Young is 24-4 with all four of his losses coming to wrestlers ranked ahead of him. Bottom Line: These two met earlier this season in the semifinals of the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, a match won by Howe, 3-2. Expect another tight, low-scoring match tonight … with Howe pulling it out once again. Prediction: Howe (Wisconsin) dec. Young (Indiana) 174: Trevor Perry (Indiana) vs. Jimmy Duffy (Wisconsin) Perry, a product of the nationally-renowned Davison, Michigan wrestler program that produced Brent Metcalf (Iowa), Jon Reader (Iowa State), and Paul Donahoe (Nebraska/Edinboro), is a three-time NCAA qualifier who is 17-5 this season. He failed to place at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, but came back to place fourth at the Southern Scuffle. Duffey has struggled this season, going 3-12. Bottom Line: Perry is the superior wrestler and will be looking for bonus points in this match. Prediction: Perry (Indiana) major dec. Duffey (Wisconsin) 184: Eric Cameron (Indiana) vs. No. 17 Travis Rutt (Wisconsin) Rutt struggled at the start of the season, losing three of his first four matches. But the true sophomore has come into own. At the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals, Rutt went 4-1, which included a victory over No. 18 Steve Bosak of Cornell. Cameron is 17-8 this season, but he has struggled with consistency. He won 10 of his first 11 matches before losing three straight matches to unranked opponents in December. Bottom Line: This should be a competitive match. Rutt is the favorite (and the pick) based on recent results. Prediction: Rutt (Wisconsin) dec. Cameron (Indiana) 197: Matt Powless (Indiana) vs. No. 8 Trevor Brandvold (Wisconsin) Brandvold made his season debut on December 12 with a 7-2 victory over Dustin Bauman of Northern Iowa, which was his only match heading into the Midlands. At the Midlands, Brandvold was upset in his first match against Lehigh's Joe Kennedy, but came back to win six matches in the consolation bracket and place fourth. He avenged the loss to Kennedy and also defeated No. 3 Hudson Taylor of Maryland. Brandvold dropped a match to No. 5 Cam Simaz of Cornell at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals, but comes into tonight's match with a 9-3 record and a No. 8 ranking. Powless, who placed seventh at the Big Ten Championships last season as a freshman, is 22-8, but has not defeated a ranked opponent this season. Bottom Line: Brandvold should win this match, but the question is whether or not he will be able to pick up bonus points. Powless has given up bonus points in five matches this season, but Brandvold has earned bonus points only once this season. Prediction: Brandvold (Wisconsin) major dec. Powless (Indiana) 285: No. 2 Nate Everhart (Indiana) vs. Eric Bugenhagen (Wisconsin) Everhart, a two-time NCAA qualifier, has been one of the biggest surprises this season. He started the season ranked No. 16, but has climbed to No. 2 after building a perfect 24-0 mark. He won both the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and the Southern Scuffle. Bugenhagen comes into tonight's match with a 10-12 record, but has dropped five of his last six matches. Bottom Line: Don't let the records fool you … This will be a tight match. Everhart is wrestling with a lot of confidence right now, but Bugenhagen has wrestled a tough schedule and proven that he can compete with the nation's best. Prediction: Everhart (Indiana) dec. Bugenhagen (Wisconsin) Dual Meet Prediction: Wisconsin 20, Indiana 19

Rankings: Weight Class Recruiting (Grade Level) Four weeks have passed since the most recent update of the national weight class rankings. In that stretch of time, there have been many major events to cause some movement within the rankings. Most of the major in-season tournaments have already occurred, and dual meet season is in earnest. Pretty soon it will be time for the state tournament series to commence across the country. Northwestern recruit Lee Munster takes over the No. 1 spot at 189 pounds (Photo/Dave Jedklica/jedicheetah.com)Despite all of these events, there was very little change at the top of the weight class rankings. Only one weight class saw a change in its No. 1 wrestler. That change occurred at 189 pounds, where Andrew Campolattano (Bound Brook, NJ) was upended by Mike Evans (Blair Academy, NJ) by a 7-2 in the finals of the Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic. Moving to the top spot is Lee Munster (Fox Lake Grant, IL) due to his runner-up finish at Fargo, ND ND this past summer in the Junior National freestyle competition, which included a head-to-head win over Evans. Munster is undefeated for the season and seeks a third state title. Evans and Campolattano are ranked second and third respectively in the weight class. The recruiting rankings, which are done by grade level, have been updated for the first time since prior to the start of the season. The No. 1 wrestler in all five grade levels has not changed. Logan Stieber (Monroeville, OH) remains first in the senior class of 2010; Chris Phillips (Monroeville, OH) remains tops in the junior class; Taylor Massa (St John's, MI) stays first in the sophomore class; Ben Whitford (Marmion Academy, IL) is in the catbird seat among freshmen; while Jered Cortez (Illinois) is the leader of the junior high wrestlers. In what has been a lasting trend of many seasons, this one in particular, wrestlers from the state of Pennsylvania dominate the weight class rankings. Thirty-six Keystone State grapplers are ranked among the top 20 of their weight class, five of which are tops in their weight. Those five are Nick Roberts (North Star, PA) at 103 pounds; Andrew and Dylan Alton (Central Mountain, PA) at 145 and 152; Marshall Peppelman (Central Dauphin, PA) at 160; and Mike McMullan (Wyoming Seminary, PA) at 285. Another five No. 1-ranked wrestlers come from the states of New Jersey and Ohio, which are second and third in terms of nationally-ranked wrestlers. The Garden State has 28 ranked wrestlers, including Blair Academy teammates Evan Silver and Chris Villalonga whom are ranked No. 1 at 112 and 140 pounds respectively. Logan Stieber (Monroeville, OH); Jamie Clark (St Edward, OH); and Chris Phillips (Monroeville, OH) stand on top of the national rankings at 125, 130, and 171 pounds respectively -- and are among the 27 Buckeye State wrestlers in the national rankings. The following is the list of wrestlers ranked in the top 20 of their respective weight class by state: 18 -- California; 15 -- Illinois, Iowa; 12 -- Oklahoma; 11 -- New York, Wisconsin; 10 -- Minnesota; 9 -- Michigan, Virginia; 8 -- Missouri; 7 -- Indiana; 6 -- Delaware, Kansas, South Dakota; 5- Florida; 4 -- Arizona, Colorado, Texas; 3 -- Maryland, Nebraska, Tennessee, Washington; 2 -- Idaho, North Dakota, Utah; 1 -- Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon A total of 36 states are represented in the national weight class rankings. The next update for the weight class rankings will come upon the completion of all the state tournaments across the country in the middle of March. The next update of the recruiting rankings will accompany the final weight class rankings of the season in the early portion of April.

The Brute adidas Studios of TDR will be on the road this week as we head to the SE and Atlanta, Georgia for the Clinch Gear SouthEastern Prep School Slam at Holy Innocents. http://www.fcpsports.com/teamsitepro/sotheastern_school_slam/index.php Join us for LIVE Video/Audio starting at 3:30 PM eastern on Friday the 22nd of January at Takedownradio.com Saturday we'll tell the story of this event and it's founder Jeff Walrich as we present our regular broadcast of TDR Radio/TV from 10 AM Eastern to 12 Noon. Special guests for sure. The finals of this huge event will be broadcast on Flo as we man the PA mic and help present the wards to the athletes along with our partners at Clinch Gear. Next week- Arizona State Vs. Oregon State Live from Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Arizona Please note that Episode 41 of TDR TV is now up on all the top web sites around the country and is available for your viewing. TDR every week! It's appointment Radio and TV! Join us at Takedownradio.com. America's Wrestling Radio Talk Show airs on Supertalk 1570 in Michigan, AM 1460 KXNO in Iowa and on a radio station near you or on line at many of our broadcast partners around the world including Livesportsvideo.com. TDR "the Radio Program" airs 9 AM to 11 AM CST every Saturday morning we look forward to having you listen. Thank you!

Bucky Maughan

Shawn Charles

Ben Henderson

Jeff Walrich

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- The South Dakota State wrestling team battled Southern Illinois-Edwardsville to a 23-23 tie in non-conference wrestling action Wednesday night. SDSU clung to a 23-20 lead heading into the final match but lost by decision to end the scoring at 23. The tie brings SDSU to 1-6-1 on the season while SIU-E remains winless with a 0-9-1 record. The back-and-forth match featured six lead changes and two ties with both teams winning five weights each. Aaron Pickrel notched the quickest of his four pins this season, downing Dustin Young in 1:25, bolting SDSU to a quick 6-0 lead. After two consecutive wins by the Cougars at 133 and 141 pounds, SDSU regained the lead with decisions by Nick Hagar at 149 and Nick Flynn at 157, pushing the score to 13-12. The battle continued as neither team could mount consecutive victories the rest of the match. SDSU's Joe Rasmussen pinned Blake Reed at 174 pounds and Tyler Sorenson won 17-5 at 197 pounds to give the Jacks a 23-20 heading into the final match. SIU-E's David Devine defeated Kevin Kelly 4-0 at heavyweight to end the scoring at 23-23. The Jacks return to the mat Saturday in Cedar Falls to open the Western Wrestling Conference schedule as they take on the Panthers of Northern Iowa at 7 p.m. Results: 125 - Aaron Pickrel (SDSU) pinned Dustin Young (SIUE), 1:25 (SDSU leads 6-0) 133 - Brendan Murphy (SIUE) pinned Tyler Johnson (SDSU), 1:01 (Tie 6-6) 141 - Dillon Pousson (SIUE) pinned Dustin Walraven (SDSU), Fall 1:47 (SIUE leads 12-6) 149 - Nick Hagar (SDSU) def. Kyle Lowman (SIUE), 8-7 (SIUE leads 12-10) 157 - Nick Flynn (SDSU) def. Nick Jones (SIUE), 5-2 (SDSU leads 13-12) 165 - Steve Ross (SIUE) def. Seth Moe (SDSU), 18-7 (SIUE leads 16-13) 174 - Joe Rasmussen (SDSU) pinned Blake Reed (SIUE), 5:44 (SDSU leads 19-16) 184 - Robert Cooney (SIUE) def. David Michaud (SDSU), 9-0 (SIUE leads 20-19) 197 - Tyler Sorenson (SDSU) def. A.J. Smith (SIUE), 17-5 (SDSU leads 23-20) HWT - David Devine (SIUE) def. Kevin Kelly (SDSU), 4-0 (Tie 23-23)

BUIES CREEK, N.C. -- Duke University sophomore Peter Terrezza registered a narrow 3-0 decision in the final match of the evening to lead the Blue Devil wrestling squad to a 21-17 victory at Campbell. Duke led by one heading into the final bout and Terrezza secured the win to give the Blue Devils their second win of the year. The Blue Devils (2-3) trailed the Camels 14-4 after the first five matches, but four wins, including a pin and a technical fall, in the final five bouts gave Duke the eventual four-point win. "This win is great for the guys," head coach Clar Anderson. "I'm really proud with the way we competed tonight. Our 157 and 165-pound guys really fought hard in their matches despite wrestling up weight classes. The extra points were crucial, but it also not giving up extra points was really big for us tonight." Needing the victory in the final contest, Terrezza stepped onto the mat and scored in the first period to take a 3-0 lead. He controlled the remainder of the match and never let C.J. Gittens a good opportunity to score to earn his 11th win of the year. After losing a couple tough matches at 133 pounds and 141 pounds, Duke got on the scoreboard with a 15-1 major decision from freshman Brent Jorge to make it a 7-4 Campbell lead. Campbell (0-7) came back and earned a major decision and decision for the 14-4 lead. The duo of Chris Piccolella and Spencer Jasper at 157 and 165 pounds, respectively, battled to the end despite the Camels' size advantage and allowed just one extra point. Jasper stayed in it to the very end and nearly pulled out a win. Trailing by 10 points, senior Voris Tejada started the comeback at 174 pounds with a 5-3 decision over John Merickel. The win is Tejada's 90th of his career, pushing him into a tie for seventh on the Duke career wins list. Next up for the Blue Devils was redshirt freshman Diego Bencomo at 184 pounds. With a flawless record in dual bouts, Bencomo gave Duke three extra points by pinning Derek Tomason in just 3:15. Redshirt senior John Barone followed suit in the next match at 197 pounds, earning five points with a 17-0 technical fall win to give Duke its first lead of the night at 18-17. Looking to widen the advantage, redshirt junior Robert Holbrook lined up at heavyweight for the first time since being injured in early November. Holbrook put forth a valiant effort, but lost a narrow 4-2 decision to set up the exciting finish. Duke resumes ACC action on Jan. 23 at Maryland at 3 p.m. The Blue Devils will take on American at 7 p.m., the same day. Results: 125 - Peter Terrezza (Duke) decision C.J. Gittens (Campbell) 3-0, 21-17 Duke 133 - Richie Apolinar (Campbell) major decision Nick Adamo (Duke) 15-6, 4-0 CU 141 - Kelin Bidelspach (Campbell) decision Mike Bell (Duke) 7-3, 7-0 CU 149 - Brent Jorge (Duke) major decision David Wise (Campbell) 15-1, 7-4 CU 157 - Jake Fose (Campbell) major decision Chris Piccolella (Duke) 8-0, 11-4 CU 165 - Chris Mazzatta (Campbell) decision Spencer Jasper (Duke) 9-6, 14-4 CU 174 - Voris Tejada (Duke) decision John Merickel (Campbell) 5-3, 14-7 CU 184 - Diego Bencomo (Duke) pin Derek Tomasone (Campbell) 3:15, 14-13 CU 197 - John Barone (Duke) technical fall Justin Sparrow (Campbell) 17-0 at 3:53, 18-14 Duke 285 - Parker Burns (Campbell) decision Robert Holbrook (Duke) 4-2, 18-17 Duke

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. -- Appalachian State University defeated NC State and Gardner-Webb Wednesday night at Gardner-Webb. Chip Powell, Kyle Blevins, Carter Downs, Austin Trotman and Jacob Earp all won two matches for the Mountaineers. The wins now give the Mountaineers’ four wins in a row and are now 6-8 on the year after starting the season 2-8. Appalachian fell behind NC State after the first match to start the day, but four-straight major decisions gave ASU a commanding 16-3 lead that they would not relinquish. Powell started the action with a 14-0 win over Sean Smith. Blevins continued with a 10-2 win over Ray Ward while Downs beat Quinton Godley 13-3. Trotman was the final major decision winner, dropping Cedric Moore 13-2. Dylan Temple won the fifth-straight match for ASU with a 2-0 decision over Christian McLean and Earp clinched the match with a 4-2 decision over Scott Norris. ASU continued to roll in the second match, winning the first five matches over Gardner-Webb on the way to a 31-7 victory. Savva Kostis gave ASU a quick 3-0 lead with a 6-0 decision over Ryan Medved. The middle-weights pulled ASU through again as Powell, Blevins, Downs and Trotman gave ASU 17 points with a decision, two major decisions and a pinfall. Brett Boston, Earp and Chris Collura ended the night on a positive as well, winning the final three matches. Boston dominated Michael Slaughter at 125 for a 7-1 win. Earp earned his second win of the night with a 19-6 major decision and Collura won the final match of the night with a 10-6 decision over Kurt Wentink. With his two wins on the night, Trotman reached the 50 win total for his career. Trotman is the second Mountaineer to reach the 50 win plateau this season, joining Temple. Appalachian will look to keep its win streak alive as they travel to The Citadel on Sunday to take on the Bulldogs at 2 p.m. Appalachian State 22 NC State 17 149 – Bobby Ward (NCSU) dec. Savva Kostis (ASU) 7-5 157 – Chip Powell (ASU) major dec. Sean Smith (NCSU) 14-0 165 – Kyle Blevins (ASU) major Dec. Ray Ward (NCSU) 10-2 174 – Carter Downs (ASU) major Dec. Quinton Godley (NCSU) 13-3 184 – Austin Trotman (ASU) major Dec. Cedric Moore (NCSU) 13-2 197 – Dylan Temple (ASU) dec. Christian McClean (NCSU) 2-0 285 – Eloheim Palma (NCSU) maj. Dec. Ken Alarac (ASU) 8-0 125 – Mike Moreno (NCSU) maj. Dec. Brett Boston (ASU) 10-1 133 – Jacob Earp (ASU) dec. Scott Norris (NCSU) 4-2 141 – Dale Shull (NCSU) pinned Chris Collura (ASU) 0:58 * Match started at 149 Appalachian State 31, GWU 7 149 – Savva Kostis (ASU) dec. Ryan Medved (GWU) 6-0 157 – Chip Powell (ASU) pin fall Alex Medved (GWU) 2:00 165 – Kyle Blevins (ASU) maj. dec. David Pelsang (GWU) 18-4 174 – Carter Downs (ASU) dec. Blake Salyer (GWU) 7-0 184 – Austin Trotman (ASU) maj. dec. Jonathan Velazquez (GWU) 11-1 197 – Travis Porter (GWU) dec. Paul Glover (ASU) 6-2 HVY – Dustin Porter (GWU) maj. dec. Brock Durfee (ASU) 16-4 125 – Brett Boston (ASU) dec. Michael Slaughter (GWU) 7-1 133 – Jacob Earp (ASU) maj. dec. Brett Kostern (GWU) 19-6 141 – Chris Collura (ASU) dec. Kurt Wentink (GWU) 10-6 * Match started at 149

HOBOKEN, N.J. -- The Stevens Institute of Technology wrestling team earned its second win of the season, defeating Hunter College by a final of 27-20 on Wednesday night at Walker Gymnasium in Hoboken, N.J. The Ducks won six of the 10 matches on the night and recorded wins by fall from freshman 149-pounder Ryan Bridge (Galloway, N.J.), sophomore 165-pounder Joe Favia (Brick, N.J.), and senior heavyweight James Roarty (Hyde Park, Mass.). A total of 256 people came to watch the match, setting a new Walker Gym attendance record. Hunter started things off with a win by fall at 141 pounds to take a quick, 6-0 lead, but Stevens responded quickly earning wins in four-straight bouts to take a commanding, 18-6 advantage. Bridge made quick work of junior Modesto Gil (Bronx, N.Y.), pinning him 49 seconds into the match to knot things up at six-all. Senior Charles Favia (Brick, N.J.) earned a 14-9 decision at 157 lbs. over senior Vitaly Simkin (Brooklyn, N.Y.) for the Ducks’ first lead, and Joe Favia followed with a win by fall (4:20) over freshman Jesse Capello-Colon (Brooklyn, N.Y.). Junior 174-pounder Bobby Bishop (Wayne Valley, N.J.) followed the Favia brothers with an incredibly exciting decision over junior Emman Sawari (Coram, N.Y.). Tied at three (3-3) after regulation, both wrestlers could not net points in the sudden death overtime. Bishop’s reversal in the first 30-second ride-off ended up being enough for the 5-3 win and an 18-6 Stevens lead. Stevens dropped its match at 184 lbs. before senior Ernie Guaimano (Hillsborough, N.J.) earned a 2-1 decision in a battle at 197 lbs with senior Anthony Daly (Wantagh, N.Y.). After Daly had to stop the match for the second time because of injury in the third period, Guaimano was allowed to choose “bottom,” on the re-start. The Duck senior was able to net the escape 10 seconds later and tallied the one-point win. Roarty, up 8-0, netted a win by fall in his first match back from injury. He pinned senior Dan Heydebrand (New York, N.Y.) at the 4:55 match of the third to put Stevens up 27-9 and seal the victory. Hunter’s Ariel Guerrero (Levittown, N.Y.) and James Mustakis (East Meadow, N.Y.) got wins at 125 and 133 lbs. to net the match’s final 11 points but it was too little too late. “Our guys reacted well to [Sunday’s] tough loss at Delaware Valley [College] tonight by getting a good dual win,” Head Wrestling Coach Mike Clayton (Union City, N.J.) said. “We built a tough schedule and this win tonight will help our confidence going into Centennial Conference competition.” The previous attendance record at Walker Gymnasium was 223 in 2007 for a match versus The College of New Jersey. Stevens will return to action on Sunday with a pair of duals versus conference foes. The Ducks will take on McDaniel College and Washington & Lee University beginning at 11 a.m. in Westminster, Md. Results: 141 lbs. – Messina (H) def. Brisson (S) - Fall (4:00) (Hunter, 6-0) 149 lbs. – Bridge (S) def. Gil (H) - Fall (:49) (Tied, 6-6) 157 lbs. – C. Favia (S) def. Simkin (H) – Decision, 14-9 (Stevens, 9-6) 165 lbs. – J. Favia (S) def. Capello-Colon (H) – Fall (4:20) (Stevens, 15-6) 174 lbs. – Biship (S) def. Sarwari (H) – Decision, 5-3 (3 OT) (Stevens, 18-6) 184 lbs. – Klotz (H) def. Galati (S) – Decision, 5-3 (Stevens, 18-9) 197 lbs. – Guaimano (S) def. Daly (H) – Decision, 2-1 (Stevens, 21-9) 285 lbs. – Roarty (S) def. Heydebrand (H) – Fall (4:55) (Stevens, 27-9) 125 lbs. – Guerrero (H) def. Warren (S) – Fall (6:03) (Stevens, 27-15) 133 lbs. – Mustakis (H) def. Neugebauer (S) – Tech. Fall, 21-6 (Stevens, 27-20)

Wrestling may be the oldest sport ... but one writer has used the latest technologies to bring his two wrestling novels to readers. Dave Conifer first introduced his novels, Throwback, and FireHouse, online, for individuals to read for free. Then the author, a former high school wrestler and junior program coach who is now a computer programmer, pushed the technology envelope a bit further ... to bring his wrestling novels to an even wider audience. Amazon.com as publisher "I learned I could publish on Amazon Kindle," said Dave Conifer, who has authored five novels for the wireless, handheld reading device with a screen that approximates a book page. Readers can download books, newspapers, magazines and blogs to a Kindle. Dave ConiferIn addition to Kindle, the online retailer Amazon.com offers a tool called CreateSpace, which provides novelists an alternative to trying to get a book printed by established publishing houses ... or using traditional self-publishing options. Here's how the New Jersey-based author described the process: "You take your Word file of the manuscript, and turn it into PDF files to Amazon's specifications, using the CreateSpace tools. You even design your own book cover." "If you have a manuscript ready, you can go from manuscript to finished book in about two weeks. That includes the time they mail you a proof for your review." The books are then printed on demand -- Amazon.com receives an order, and publishes exactly the number of copies purchased by that customer, and ships them direct to the customer. It's a variation of just-in-time delivery that has become a hallmark of modern manufacturing and retailing. Print-on-demand eliminates the need for Amazon -- or a retailer -- to maintain a stock already printed copies of the book in a warehouse or storeroom. What's more, unlike most self-publishing situations, with print-on-demand, the author doesn't have to guess how many copies will be sold. Nor is the writer responsible for storing printed books, or having to mail them to customers. One of the most attractive features of Amazon's CreateSpace publishing option: "It doesn't cost the author any money, other than to request a proof," according to Conifer. Another benefit to writers: They can set the price. As the author of Throwback and FireHouse explained, "My novels are $12 each. I chose not to make any profit. I just wanted to get a book published." "There's been a stigma about self-publishing," said Conifer. "I think that's falling away, thanks to new technology like CreateSpace print-on-demand, and the Amazon Kindle." Throwback: Answering an unmet need Dave Conifer has deep roots in wrestling. He wrestled in high school in Maryland, and was a coach of a junior wrestling program in New Jersey. With that mat background, he saw an unmet need. "Six or seven years ago, I looked around to see how many wrestling books were out there. I discovered that there just weren't that many novels with wrestling in them." "Throwback came out of my head, from some of my own experiences," Conifer continued. "I didn't get to wrestle much in high school 'til senior year. I almost made the state tournament." "I always wondered, 'What if I had another chance?' That led to the idea for Throwback." In Conifer's first wrestling novel, a high school wrestler from North Carolina has problems back home, so he heads north to New Jersey. Still eligible to wrestle, Ben Pietrak creates a new identity for himself ... not just with a new name (Ben Petrovic), but also "do-over" in terms of his life on -- and off -- the mat. In Throwback, Ben gets to see where he stands in the wrestling world in the Garden State, as well as experience all that comes from having a girlfriend. Here's a portion of the book's description posted at Amazon.com: Ben's legal and romantic difficulties converge with his struggle for wrestling vindication at the state wrestling championships in Atlantic City. How can he end up with everything he wants: integrity, redemption and the girl? Conifer set the action in New Jersey for reasons beyond the fact it is now his home. "One reason Ben picked New Jersey is that it is a wrestling hotbed. It would be more of a challenge for him to be successful as a wrestler." Keeping it real As a former wrestler and coach, Dave Conifer worked to make his wrestling novels believable. "Sometimes you see wrestling portrayed on TV or in a book, and it feels like a cartoon," according to Conifer. "I try to remember what my matches were like -- the sights, sounds, feelings, even the smell of the mat -- without glamorizing it." "As I write, I put myself out on the mat, trying to explain the match, in a way that is appealing to readers who weren't wrestlers." "A good portion of my books' narrative is what someone is thinking during the match," said Conifer. "How he counters what his opponent is doing, processing what his coach is yelling." "I try to incorporate all this, all while trying to keep the story believable." Here's an example from Throwback that illustrates Conifer's ability to combine thoughts and action: "What just happened?" I'm thinking with horror. I can hear my coaches shouting, the sound of their voices overpowered by the sound of my labored breathing. "Did I just blow it?" I can't remember anything that happened since my last peek at the scoreboard, which indicated that I was ahead 4-2 with 39 seconds left in the match. Now I'm on my back looking at the ceiling lights, and the referee is counting back points. I realize with dread that my plan of stalling out the last half-minute has failed. I fight with all the strength I can muster, and somehow manage to flip onto my stomach. I look at the scoreboard again and see that the score is tied. There are now 11 seconds left in regulation time. A lot has happened in 28 seconds. Unless something changes, this match is heading to overtime. I'm gripped with an intense fear because I am completely spent. My panic is compounded by a feeling that my opponent getting stronger and more confident even as I wither. I know he is relishing the thought of wrestling into overtime just as I am cowering from it. The follow-up: FireHouse Dave Conifer's second novel set in the world of high school wrestling is FireHouse. "It was inspired by a kid I knew in high school -- a tough guy who worked hard at wrestling, training incessantly, but in secret." To make things even more interesting, the main character, Zach Bowie, is the lead singer in a local rock band. Wrestling was just "something to do" -- until the 171-pound starter on his team is injured, and Zach suddenly finds himself in the lineup. As Amazon.com's promotional copy for FireHouse says, "He's surprised that the exhilaration of walking onto the mat feels as good as the rush he gets on stage. Maybe even better. How far could he go if he wasn't smoking three packs of Marlboros a day?" The novel sets the stage for a struggle for Zach Bowie's soul. His band resents the time he's spending away from them, working out for wrestling. His wrestling coach and teammates question his level of commitment. "The protagonist (in FireHouse) isn't a great wrestler," said Conifer. "He's like so many guys who may not be state champs, but gain a lot from the sport." Written for a wide age range In addition to making the characters and the mat action real, another challenge for the author of a wrestling novel: how to make the content appropriate for the intended audience. "I have kids and I wouldn't have trouble with them reading my books," said Dave Conifer. "For example, Zach in FireHouse is bitter and defiant, but the worst thing he does is rip pages out of a phone book ... There's no bad language, no sex." "I would like to think this book would be good for an eighth-grader to read." "Values are the thing I took away from the sport, so I try to incorporate them into my (wrestling) novels." "I do address issues like making weight and mat burns," said Conifer. "However, my books are not about deprivation." "I hope readers take up the challenge of wrestling not because it's easy, but because it's NOT easy." To order Dave Conifer's wrestling novels Throwback and FireHouse, visit Amazon.com and type in the book titles into the search feature.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- For the fourth consecutive week, Notre Dame College (Ohio) tops the NAIA Wrestling Coaches' Top 20 Poll, the NAIA announced Tuesday. The Falcons earned 150 points with 12 wrestlers listed among the top-12 individuals in their respective weight class. Great Falls (Mont.) moved into second place with 94 points, its highest ranking of the season, with 94 points. Missouri Valley is listed third with 86.5 points, followed closely by No. 4 Lindenwood (Mo.) with 85.5 points. Southern Oregon rounds out the top five with 76 points. Notre Dame retains its spot as the No. 1 team after winning the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on Jan. 10. The Falcons finished the event with a 3-0 record, with wins over Oklahoma City (42-0), McKendree (Ill.) (29-8) and Missouri Valley (26-7). Two Notre Dame grapplers own a No. 1 ranking with Adam Koballa at 141 pounds and Derek Foore at 197 pounds. Of the Falcons 12 ranked wrestlers, two individuals are listed at 125, 149 and 174 each. The only weight class that Notre Dame is not ranked is 133 pounds. Third-ranked Missouri Valley boasts a ranked wrestler at each of the 10 weight classes, including the top-ranked 157-pounder Joseph Cornejo and second-ranked Collin Pierce at 133 pounds. The Vikings finished as runner-up to Notre Dame at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. Five weight classes feature a new top-ranked wrestler: Samuel Schmitz of Lindenwood (149), Cornejo (157), Grand View's (Iowa) Brad Lower (165), Foore (197) and Arjan Bhullar of Simon Fraser (B.C.) (HWT). Retaining their No. 1 ranking are Mitchell Lofstedt of Southern Oregon (125), Campbellsville's (Ky.) Tommy Pretty (133), Koballa (141), Enock Francois of California Baptist (174) and Great Falls' Michael French (184). The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the groupings. The next poll will be announced on Feb. 2. Team Rankings Rank School Total Team Points 1 Notre Dame (Ohio) 150 2 Great Falls (Mont.) 94 3 Missouri Valley (Mo.) 86.5 4 Lindenwood (Mo.) 85.5 5 Southern Oregon (Ore.) 76 6 McKendree (Ill.) 75 7 California Baptist (Calif.) 71.5 8 Grand View (Iowa) 44 9 Campbellsville (Ky.) 39 10 Dana (Neb.) 34 11 Simon Fraser (B.C.) 32.5 12 Dickinson State (N.D.) 30.5 13 Montana State-Northern (Mont.) 24 13 Missouri Baptist (Mo.) 24 15 Oklahoma City (Okla.) 21.5 16 Morningside (Iowa) 18 17 Jamestown (N.D.) 17 18 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) 15.5 19 Northwestern (Iowa) 14.5 20 Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) 12.5 Others receiving votes: Waldorf (Iowa) 12; Cumberland (Tenn.) 9.5; Hastings College (Neb.) 7.5; William Penn (Iowa) 5.5; Menlo (Calif.) 4.5; Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) 1. Individual Ratings Wt Rank First Name Last Name Total Points School Group 125 1 Mitchell Lofstedt 80 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 125 2 Tyler Savage 64 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 125 3 Dante Rini 53 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 125 4 Samuel Fragoza 42.5 California Baptist (Calif.) West Group 125 5 Paul Hansen 40.5 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 125 6 Angel Olea 34.5 Dickinson State (N.D.) North Group 125 7 Zach Muery 31.5 Missouri Baptist (Mo.) East Group 125 8 Matt Chustz 18.5 William Penn (Iowa) Central Group 125 9 Clayden McKim 16 Dana (Neb.) North Group 125 10 Jason Moorhouse 7.5 Menlo (Calif.) West Group 125 11 Akmal Adilov 5.5 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 125 12 Sean Blumhardt 3.5 Jamestown (N.D.) North Group 133 1 Tommy Pretty 80 Campbellsville (Ky.) East Group 133 2 Collin Pierce 61.5 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 133 3 Joseph Michel 52 Jamestown (N.D.) North Group 133 4 Chauncey Philipps 47.5 California Baptist (Calif.) West Group 133 5 Wade Lowe 40.5 McKendree (Ill.) East Group 133 6 Myles Mazurkiewicz 35.5 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 133 7 Brian Jacob 20 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 133 8 Anton Prater 18 Missouri Baptist (Mo.) East Group 133 9 Aaron Ely 14.5 Dana (Neb.) North Group 133 10 Gary Brooks 11 Missouri Baptist (Mo.) East Group 133 11 Cameron Ream 8.5 Oklahoma City (Okla.) Central Group 133 12 Matthew Jacobson 5 Dana (Neb.) North Group 141 1 Adam Koballa 60 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 141 2 Drew Smith 44.5 Morningside (Iowa) North Group 141 3 Barry Johnson 39.5 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 141 4 Jordan Harer 35 Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) North Group 141 5 Kyle Wirkuty 32.5 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 141 6 Jacob Murton 31.5 Campbellsville (Ky.) East Group 141 7 Nick Coffman 14 Grand View (Iowa) Central Group 141 8 Neil Birt 11 Cumberland (Tenn.) East Group 141 8 Adam Manz 11 Dana (Neb.) North Group 141 10 Eric Graham 9.5 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 141 11 Brad Neitenbach 5.5 Lindenwood (Mo.) East Group 141 12 Christian Martinez 3 Menlo (Calif.) West Group 149 1 Samuel Schmitz 76 Lindenwood (Mo.) East Group 149 2 Jeffrey Pelton 61.5 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 149 3 Byron Kuylen 60.5 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 149 4 Benjamin Garcia 43 California Baptist (Calif.) West Group 149 5 Brian Graham 38 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 149 6 Ryan Jahn 33.5 McKendree (Ill.) East Group 149 7 Jeff Marval 26 Waldorf (Iowa) Central Group 149 8 Levi Price 20.5 Northwestern (Iowa) North Group 149 9 Ashtin Primus 17 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 149 10 Trace Billet 12 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) West Group 149 11 Ian Millan 5.5 California Baptist (Calif.) West Group 149 12 Brad Cusatis 4 Hastings College (Neb.) North Group 157 1 Joseph Cornejo 80 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 157 2 Thomas Straughn 64 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 157 3 Tyler Chang 53 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) West Group 157 4 Jake Johnson 45 Lindenwood (Mo.) East Group 157 5 Nikolas Turner 43 Oklahoma City (Okla.) Central Group 157 6 Tommie Norton/Hooper 35.5 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 157 7 Brian Oeschner 21 Lindenwood (Mo.) East Group 157 8 Robert Carothers 19.5 Dickinson State (N.D.) North Group 157 9 James Casadaban 15.5 Cumberland (Tenn.) East Group 157 10 Ross Mosher 13 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 157 11 Josh Emmett 4.5 Menlo (Calif.) West Group 157 12 Conor Young 4 Campbellsville (Ky.) East Group 165 1 Brad Lower 68.5 Grand View (Iowa) Central Group 165 2 Chris Chionuma 64.5 Lindenwood (Mo.) East Group 165 3 Kevin Hardy 52 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 165 4 Lamar Reed 46 California Baptist (Calif.) West Group 165 5 Aaron Winning 45 McKendree (Ill.) East Group 165 6 Ryan Tuzon 33.5 Dana (Neb.) North Group 165 6 John Murray 33.5 Lindenwood (Mo.) East Group 165 8 Michael Hader 24 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 165 9 David Dwyer 13 McKendree (Ill.) East Group 165 10 Damon Jackson 8 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 165 11 Noah Hatton 7 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 165 12 Mark Meyer 3 Oklahoma City (Okla.) Central Group 174 1 Enock Francois 76 California Baptist (Calif.) West Group 174 2 Glenn Rhees 68 Grand View (Iowa) Central Group 174 3 Brendon DeCock 54 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 174 4 Jon Bittenger 50 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 174 5 Josh Bryant 35.5 McKendree (Ill.) East Group 174 6 Preston McKinney 30.5 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 174 7 Jameon Rush 27 Hastings College (Neb.) North Group 174 8 Brandon Sitch 25 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 174 9 Austin Vanderford 16 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 174 10 Kurt Wolff 7.5 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 174 11 Austin Ouellette 4 Montana State-Northern (Mont.) West Group 174 12 Jobi Hambrick 3 Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) Central Group 184 1 Michael French 80 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 184 2 Evan Hinebaugh 64 Montana State-Northern (Mont.) West Group 184 3 Mark Peiffer 49.5 Dana (Neb.) North Group 184 4 Clete Hanson 42 Simon Fraser (B.C.) West Group 184 5 Chad Williams 41.5 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 184 6 Spencer Adams 34.5 Campbellsville (Ky.) East Group 184 7 Tanner Wolk 23.5 McKendree (Ill.) East Group 184 8 Chris Platt 22 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 184 9 Brett Owen 19.5 Dickinson State (N.D.) North Group 184 10 Alex Denman 13 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 184 11 Jordaryl Logan 6 Grand View (Iowa) Central Group 184 12 Brian Block 2.5 Morningside (Iowa) North Group 197 1 Derek Foore 80 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 197 2 Andrew Sanchez 64 McKendree (Ill.) East Group 197 3 Jake Kallestad 53 Dickinson State (N.D.) North Group 197 4 Alex Calvi 48.5 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 197 5 Ike Okenwa 39.5 Missouri Baptist (Mo.) East Group 197 6 Nicholas Leither 28 Northwestern (Iowa) North Group 197 7 Evan Mattingly 26.5 Montana State-Northern (Mont.) West Group 197 8 Jeff Roman 25 Waldorf (Iowa) Central Group 197 9 Scott Lucas 12 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 197 10 Charlie Gibbs 8.5 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 197 11 Ronald Lee 7.5 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 197 12 Joseph Lockett 6 Morningside (Iowa) North Group 285 1 Arjan Bhullar 80 Simon Fraser (B.C.) West Group 285 2 Orlando Scales 64 Notre Dame (Ohio) East Group 285 3 Willie Wiggins 54 Lindenwood (Mo.) East Group 285 4 Eric Hinebauch 39.5 Great Falls (Mont.) West Group 285 5 Cedric Powell 33.5 McKendree (Ill.) East Group 285 6 Corey Johnson 29.5 Oklahoma City (Okla.) Central Group 285 7 Tyler Porras 23.5 Lindenwood (Mo.) East Group 285 8 Travis Ewart 21 Missouri Valley (Mo.) Central Group 285 9 Willie Hernandez 19 Jamestown (N.D.) North Group 285 10 John Bates 16.5 Southern Oregon (Ore.) West Group 285 11 Byron Stewart 11.5 Cumberland (Tenn.) East Group 285 12 Chas Maloch 4.5 McKendree (Ill.) East Group

WEXFORD, Pa. -- After going a perfect 4-0 on the mats this past week, Waynesburg junior Nick Garber was named the latest Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Wrestler of the Week. This is the third such award for Garber this season, making him the first three-time award-winner since the 2006-07 season. The Waynesburg native picked up the honor after going a perfect 4-0 this past week and putting an impressive display at the Washington & Lee Invitational on Saturday. At W&L, Garber led the Yellow Jackets to their second-straight team title by picking up three first-period pins, winning the 141-pound title, and being named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. The title-clinching fall came in 1:11 over second-seeded Sam Campbell of Washington & Lee. Garber, who has been ranked as highly as second in Division III at 141, started the week with a 5-0 decision over McDaniel’s Mike Trancedi. Waynesburg is gearing up for a busy weekend as they travel to Washington & Jefferson for a PAC match on Friday before returning home to host Penn State Dubois in the final home match of the season.

Lawrenceville, NJ -- Hofstra University sophomore Ben Clymer was named CAA Wrestler of the Week and red-shirt freshman Paul Snyder was named the CAA Rookie of the Week for all competition from January 12 through 18. Clymer, a sophomore 184-pounder from Germansville, Pennsylvania (Northwestern Lehigh), posted a fall, a tech fall and a pair of decisions at the CAA Duals last Saturday to improve to 19-4 overall, 13-0 in duals and 4-0 in the CAA. Now the top ranked 184-pound wrestler in the CAA, Clymer defeated Joe Budi, the second ranked 184 from Old Dominion, 7-2. Clymer shared this week’s award with Mendbagana Tovuujav of George Mason University. Tovuujav, a sophomore 174-pounder from Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia (St. Benedict’s Prep), compiled a fall, a tech fall, a major decision and a decision at the CAA Duals, improving to 22-7 overall, 4-0 in the CAA. Snyder, a freshman heavyweight from Greensburg, Pennsylvania (Mt. Pleasant Area), compiled a fall, a major decision and a pair of decisions at the CAA Duals, to improve to 9-10 on the season and 4-0 in the CAA.

Hudson Taylor

Tolly Thompson

Tim Mathews

Mark Reiland