Rev Blog: Webster Farris (Dana), Entry 4

A fresh, new semester is upon us, and here at Dana, a fresh start is just what we need. We picked up action following our runner-up performance at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals with an attempt to defend our title at the Northwestern Invite in Orange City, IA on January 20. The beginning of the tournament had many of us questioning our performances and looking ahead at a long day. To our disappointment we put only three men, Terrance Almond (141) and Eric Graham (133), and Wade Jordan (197) into the semifinals, and only Terrance to the finals.

As we have battled in the past, many of us set out on our treks through the backside bracket. All in all, we made good on or vengeance towards the medal rounds. After losing in the semis, Eric claimed a third-place medal by getting two big wins over an NAIA rival. As I've done in the past after an early loss, I also claimed third place by avenging my quarterfinal loss. Additional placers were Craig Trampe (125), Jason Bilinski (157), Dan Pray (157), Bula Tuzon (165), and Jesse Boggs (285). An additional highlight ironically included a loss for Wade Jordan (197) to the returning national champion at 197 in the closing seconds of their semifinal bout. The ultimate star of the day for Dana and the Northwestern Invitational was the performance of Terrance Almond. Terrance terrorized the competition by recording a major decision, a tech fall, and two pins to claim the tourney title. With his outstanding day, Terrance returned the Outstanding Wrestler award back to Dana for the third consecutive year. Terrance is following in the footsteps of two other Dana All-Americans, Blair Alderman and Marshall Marquardt.

Webster Farris

After a day of much mat-time, we were faced with little time for relaxation. We began pushing hard towards a conference dual against Northwestern on Friday (26th) and three-time defending Division II national champion Nebraska Omaha on Saturday (27th). In short, our performances were less than satisfactory. In the dual with Northwestern we anticipated on being dominant. Our less than stellar performance landed us in a close dual that we narrowly won 22-14. The following night was another night of some disappointment as we dropped several close matches and lost the dual. We were granted an opportunity on Saturday against Nebraska Omaha and were defeated, 26-9, a score that we felt was not indicative of our competitive level.

The two duals, weren't, however, totally negative. Heavyweight Jesse Boggs went 2-0 by winning us the dual on Friday and avenging an early loss on Saturday. Burke Barnes (133) surprised nobody with his continually excellent performances, one that earned him a big win against a tough Northwestern wrestler.

After this weekend, many of us were down but not out. Monday we were right back up as we have a chance for partial redemption and further preparation for the post-season as we host Division II Augustana on the 31st. Coaches have identified my practice objectives, particularly Coach Rollins, who continues to baffle me with his knowledge of the sport. I'm just trying to soak it all in. Others are working with their assigned coaches as well. We are seeing great relationships develop between wrestlers as well. It is apparent through examples like Burke Barnes, offering any of his time to help someone out in the room, that we are all interested in winning and we all care for one another. These are great signs at Dana as we continue to prepare our defense for March. Hope everybody's getting amped for the postseason, I know we at Dana are! Thanks everybody, talk to you all later.

Train Hard,

Webster Farris

Past Entries:

Entry 3 (1/18/07)
Entry 2 (12/6/06)
Entry 1 (11/21/06)

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Rev Blog: Webster Farris (Dana), Entry 4

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