The top-seeded Gallick met the No. 2 seed Ware for the ninth time in the pair's storied rivalry. Ware received a standing ovation from the in-state crowd as the Sooner hails from Edmond, Okla. Gallick struck early on a single-leg in the first period and fought off Ware's attempt to shake loose and scored the first points on a double-leg for an early 2-0 advantage. Ware followed with an escape and another escape to begin the second period to tie the match at two. After Ware was cautioned to open the third period from the top position, Gallick exploded from the bottom for an escape and a 3-2 lead. Gallick was warned for stalling towards the end of the third period but Ware was unable to get a clean shot in a final flurry as Gallick took the match, 3-2.
"I tried to take a nap today but I just couldn't do it," Gallick said. "Every time I closed my eyes, I was shooting or avoiding being taken down. "I have a great amount of respect for Teyon (Ware). Every time we have wrestled it has been close. The first takedown in matches between us has been so important. A year ago, (Ware) got the first takedown (in Ware's 2005 NCAA final victory over Gallick) and then got some riding time on me. It changed the whole match and took me out of my game."
Gallick's only loss to Ware came in the finals at last year's NCAA Championships. Ware scored the match's only takedown. Gallick had placed second and fifth previously in the national tournament prior to winning his national title.
"Not winning a national title has given me a lot of motivation to come in and get it done," Gallick said. "This is my last year and it was my last chance to win one."
Gallick and Ware are reknowned for their epic extra-session matches and clashing defensive styles.
"My defense has always complimented my offense and it is real important for me to stay in good condition," Gallick said. "I try not to wrestle when I'm behind. If you get scored on you get put into a position that you have to score and not make any more mistakes."
Head coach Bobby Douglas thought the plan he had for Gallick worked to perfection.
"Nate's quick third period escape was planned well in advance," Douglas said. "We had been wrestling this match in our heads for a full year. Nate remembered that back flip (Ware did a back flip after winning the 2005 NCAA title against Gallick. Nate wrestled a perfect match."
Douglas and assistant head coach Cael Sanderson brought in the nation's best recruiting class last season and says the future is bright.
"We have a very promising group of young men, including Nate's younger brother (Nick) who have redshirted their true freshmen seasons," Douglas added. "They were the No. 1 wrestling recruiting class. That looks great on paper but those guys will be the heart of our program for years to come."
Finals Result:
141 pounds -- Nate Gallick (Iowa State) dec. Teyon Ware (Oklahoma), 3-2
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