InterMat Staff

Famed mixed martial arts coach Robert Follis who helped develop a number of top-flight MMA fighters -- including former wrestlers Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, Dan Henderson, and Chael Sonnen -- died Friday from a gunshot to the head near Las Vegas. He was 48. The Clark County coroner's office has ruled the death a suicide. Robert FollisFollis was a head coach at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas for four years, leaving the training facility just last month. Before coming to Nevada, Follis was one of the founders of Team Quest, which was training base for a number of MMA superstars, including former UFC champions Couture, Henderson and Lindland. He coached at the Gresham, Oregon facility for nearly a decade. Words like "renowned," "legendary" and "iconic" were used by sports and MMA websites to describe Follis. Follis brought a jiu-jitsu background to his MMA training. He came to the sport as a former bouncer in a bar who realized he might need to learn skills to deal with rowdy patrons. Follis' girlfriend, Myrna Fukuno, who confirmed Follis' passing Sunday, called him "my best friend, my therapist and the absolute love of my life." She went on to describe Follis as "an incredible teacher, who opened our minds and created a space where we knew learning was possible." "The son of a preacher, Follis has long taken after his father in order to get the full potential out of his students," according to a 2013 article at the Xtreme Couture website. "Analogies are a big part of how Follis coaches, and says the use of them makes it easier for his students to correlate what he tries to bestow upon them in the MMA world. 'At one point, tying our shoes was extremely confusing,' he said. 'The more you practiced it though, the easier it became. That's exactly how jiu-jitsu is.'" Randy Couture, a three-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State before launching a storied MMA career that culminated with his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame, said Follis had no ego and was constantly trying to better himself -- and his students -- in every facet of MMA. "I think that's what made him special," Couture told MMAFighting.com. "Robert had this positivity about him. He just had this persona that people were attracted to, that people wanted to be around." "We just had a ton of fun learning, beating the hell out of each other, but getting better," Couture added. "Robert was a big part of that." "A guy that's as intelligent and warm and giving as Robert was, sometimes you never really know what's going on, on the inside with somebody," Couture said. "It's rough, it's gonna be rough for a little while. But I think we'll do our best to keep moving forward and honor and respect Robert for all the things he accomplished that were so positive." Matt Lindland, a national junior college wrestling champ and 2000 U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman team member, posted a heartfelt tribute to Follis on his own Facebook page, addressed to the coach's family and friends. "Wishing you hope and comfort in the midst of sorrow and pain. I am shocked and sorry to hear the news about our friend and brother, Robert Follis, who took his own life. "What a truly depressing situation. It is difficult to know how to respond at time like this. More than anything, I want Robert's students, friends, and family to realize how much others cared loved and cared for him. He had an impact on everyone he came in contact with. Naturally, words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel…" "I personally know so many people, too many to count, who have fond memories of training with and learning from Robert. He not only taught martial arts, he taught life lessons and was a mentor to anyone who desired his companionship..." "Robert was always willing to take time for others on the mats or off, even if that meant just talking to a friend over a lunch. Robert invested in others; he gave his time, his knowledge, and his love." Plans are being made to honor Robert Follis with a memorial service at a date to be announced.

Services have been announced for Frank Ball, long-time Massachusetts high school wrestling coach and honoree in a number of halls of fame, who passed away at home on Friday, Dec. 15, two weeks' shy of his 84th birthday. Visitation will take place Friday, Dec. 22 from 4-8 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, Mass. The procession from the funeral home will begin at 8:45 am. on Saturday, Dec. 23, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, Mass. at 10 a.m. Francis BallFrancis (Frank) T. Ball, Jr., was born in Brookline, Mass. on Dec. 30, 1933, the youngest of three children, to Francis Sr. and Margaret Ball. Ball spent more than 30 years as a Physical Education teacher and coach at Melrose High School, coaching wrestling, football, and track. In Ball's 15 years as a head wrestling coach, his teams won 14 Middlesex league titles. Many of his former wrestlers have reached out to him over the years to let him know that he had such a positive influence on their lives, according to his here. That same tribute also stated, "A coach to the end, he critiqued a video of his grandson wrestling 2 days before he passed." Prior to launching his coaching/teaching career at Melrose High, Ball graduated from Brookline High School in 1953, then graduated from Springfield College in 1954. After Springfield, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged after 4 years of service. Ball is a member of the Melrose High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Massachusetts Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition, he was welcomed into the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003 for Lifetime Service to Wrestling. In 2005, Ball had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He survived surgery and treatment only to see the cancer return 2 years later. He fought through his chemotherapy treatment once again to live for another decade. Ball is survived by his wife of 55 years, Viola Claire, and three children and grandchildren, as well as a brother, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, individuals wishing to honor Frank Ball may make a contribution to the charity of their choice.

GREELEY, Colo. -- The No. 3 Oklahoma State wrestling team picked up its second Big 12 win of the season Monday in a 37-4 victory over Northern Colorado. Five Cowboys picked up bonus point wins in the effort, including a pair of falls from Dean Heil and Chandler Rogers and a technical fall from Nick Piccininni. Cowboy All-American Preston Weigel also made his first appearance of the season at 197 pounds. The night started at 157 pounds with Cowboy Jonce Blaylock taking on Northern Colorado's Tyler Kinn. Blaylock scratched out a couple of takedowns in the first two periods to take a 5-1 lead into the third. The Cowboy sealed up the win in the final frame, punctuating the match with a couple more takedowns to come away with the 10-3 triumph. Rogers quickly added bonus points at 165, taking down Keilan Torres in the opening minute of his match before putting Torres on his back for the fall in 53 seconds. It marked the sixth fall of the season for the Cowboy and 30th of his career. Redshirt junior Jacobe Smith pushed the OSU lead to 12-0 at 174 pounds with a win over Seth Bogulski. Smith jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the opening frame, but Bogulski would cut his lead to 5-3 with a takedown midway through the second. Smith was able to escape before the end of the period and only allowed a Bogulski escape in the third to get the 6-4 victory. The Bears picked up their lone win of the evening at 184 pounds by way of a Dylan Gabel major decision over Keegan Moore. Early in the first, Gabel attacked and converted on a takedown, injuring Moore in the process. From that point, it was all Gabel, who would finish off the 10-1 major over the redshirt freshman. Matched up with No. 19 Jacob Seely in his first appearance of the season, Weigel didn't appear to have much trouble. After a scoreless first period, Weigel was able to score on a takedown in the second before electing to open the third on top and turning Seely for a nearfall. With riding time added, Weigel picked up the 7-0 decision in his debut. "I'm feeling really good coming back from this injury," Weigel said. "It sucks sitting out and I don't think anyone wants to do it. I trained hard through it and I don't feel like I lost anything. I feel like I picked up where I left off from last year." Heavyweight Derek White earned his fifth major decision on the year in a 12-4 triumph over Robert Winters. White denied Winters any offensive scores in the bout, while scoring five takedowns of his own. The Cowboy junior picked up his 10th win of the season in the match. Piccininni made quick work of Sean Cannon at 125 pounds, racking up a takedown and four nearfalls to notch a 16-0 technical fall in 2:21. The win moved the redshirt sophomore to 9-1 overall on the season and was his fourth tech. At 133 pounds, Kaid Brock came away with a narrow, 9-8 decision over Rico Montoya. Brock appeared in control in the first, scoring three takedowns to take a 6-2 lead into the second, where Montoya narrowed the advantage to 6-5 with another score. Starting the final frame on bottom, Brock was able to score a reversal; however, Montoya would tie it late with an escape and another takedown, but Brock would come away with the win on riding time. Dean Heil stretched the advantage to 33-4 with a quick fall in 1:47 over Ben Polkowske at 141. With the pin, Heil ties his career high for falls in a season with four and moves into a tie with Johny Hendricks for the eighth-longest win streak in school history with 55. Making the start in his home state of Colorado, Geo Martinez was able to finish off the Cowboy victory with a dominant, 13-1 major decision over Jimmy Fate. Martinez led from start to finish, tallying three takedowns and a four-point nearfall en route to the win. The Cowboys will have a quick turnaround, as they head to Cheyenne, Wyo., tomorrow at 7 p.m. MT for a bout with Big 12 foe Wyoming. "We've got some great matchups tomorrow," head coach John Smith said. "I had a chance to watch their team wrestle in Reno. It's a good squad, and it's going to be a good match." Results: 157: Jonce Blaylock (OSU) dec. Tyler Kinn (UNC), 9-3 165: No. 6 Chandler Rogers (OSU) win by fall Keilan Torres (UNC), 0:54 174: No. 10 Jacobe Smith (OSU) dec. Seth Boguski (UNC), 6-4 184: Dylan Gabel (UNC) MD Keegan Moore (OSU), 10-1 197: No. 4 Preston Weigel (OSU) dec. No. 19 Jacob Seeley (UNC), 7-0 285: No. 8 Derek White (OSU) MD Robert Winters (UNC), 12-4 125: No. 3 Nick Piccininni (OSU) TF Sean Cannon (UNC), 16-0; 2:22 133: No. 3 Kaid Brock (OSU) dec. Rico Montoya (UNC), 9-8 141: No. 1 Dean Heil (OSU) fall Ben Polkowske (UNC), 1:14 149: No. 10 Geo Martinez (OSU) MD Jimmy Fate (UNC), 13-1

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A pair of major decisions gave No. 15 UNI wrestling the boost it needed to edge out North Carolina, 17-16 on criteria. "I would have liked to see (Taylor) Lujan pin him, but to be able to get bonus points was the difference in the meet tonight," said head coach Doug Schwab. "For us to get a couple of majors was the difference in the meet." UNI improves to 2-1 overall and remains 1-0 in the Big 12. North Carolina falls to 2-3 and has yet to wrestle a dual in the ACC. Jay Schwarm put the Panthers on the board right away. With over 4 minutes of riding time, he beat James Szymanski, 5-0. UNC tied up the team score with a decision at 133 pounds, but UNI would push ahead earning bonus points at 141 pounds. Josh Alber got a major, beating A.C. Headlee, 12-4. Alber notched five takedowns and a point for riding time. UNC would take the next two matches before Isaiah Patton tied up the team score 10-10 with a decision at 165 pounds. "I thought Isaiah Patton wrestled a great match - very controlled and composed," said Schwab. "And that's what I want to see throughout the season. I want to see growth." No. 6 Taylor Lujan is the only Panther in the starting lineup to stay perfect in duals. His 10-2 major decision at 174 pounds sparked a win at the next weight where Drew Foster beat UNC's Chip Ness for the second time this season. UNC would take the final matches, but it wasn't enough to grab the team win. "(Carter) Isley got back on the horse," said Schwab. "I can be OK with that. There's progress there, which is an important thing, but it wasn't a complete team performance." Two Panthers made their dual debut with Rudy Yates at 133 pounds and Logan Ryan at 157 pounds. UNI lost one team point for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, they earned it back when the tiebreaker came down to the third criteria. UNI has more total match points from decisions, major decisions and technical falls. Next up, UNI will head to the Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, Tennessee Jan. 1-2. The Panthers will not be back in the West Gym until Feb. 10 when they host Iowa State. "There's going to be a lot of national champions who will be at this tournament," said Schwab. "We are taking 15 down there, and we want 15 competing at a really high level." Results: 125: #11 Jay Schwarm (UNI) dec. James Szymanski (UNC), 5-0 - UNI leads 3-0 133: #19 Zach Sherman (UNC) dec. Rudy Yates (UNI), 6-3 - Dual tied 3-3 141: #7 Josh Alber (UNI) maj. dec. A.C. Headlee (UNC), 12-4 - UNI leads 7-3 149: #4 Troy Heilmann (UNC) dec. #6 Max Thomsen (UNI), 3-2 - UNI leads 7-6 157: Kennedy Monday (UNC) maj. dec. Logan Ryan (UNI), 13-5 - UNC leads 10-7 165: Isaiah Patton (UNI) dec. Clay Lautt (UNC), 6-1 - Dual tied 10-10 174: #7 Taylor Lujan (UNI) maj. dec. Adis Radoncic (UNC), 10-2 - UNI leads 14-10 184: #10 Drew Foster (UNI) dec. Chip Ness (UNC), 5-3 - UNI leads 16-10* 197: Danny Chaid (UNC) dec. #17 Jacob Holschlag (UNI), 5-3 - UNI leads 16-13 285: Cory Daniel (UNC) dec. Carter Isley (UNI), 5-4 - Dual tied 16-16 *UNI penalized one team point for unsportsmanlike conduct UNI wins on third tiebreaker criterion

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team evened its record at 3-3 with a 22-19 win over visiting Ohio in Maclellan Gym tonight. The Mocs scored bonus points in all five of their wins in a dual that saw the lead change four times. Junior Alonzo Allen won for the second time in as many days with an 18-6 major decision over Trevor Giallombardo at 125. He scored a quick takedown and back points to run out to an 8-2 lead after the first period. From there he cruised to the win and improved to 8-3. Junior Jake Huffine competed hard in his match against No. 15 Cameron Kelly 133. He was down 2-1 after the first period and rode Kelly for most of the second. He was in the match until giving up a pair of back points late in the third. "Alonzo Allen looked good, stated head coach Heath Eslinger. "I thought the guy who wrestled best tonight was Jake Huffine. He lost, but he probably wrestled better than anyone. He did exactly what we talked about doing. He didn't care where he was ranked and he had a chance to win the match." Junior Michael Pongracz posted a technical fall in the second at 141. That gave UTC a 9-3, but Ohio fought back quickly to take an 11-9 lead after a tech fall and a decision at 149 and 157, respectively. Senior Chad Pyke put the Mocs back in front with a tech fall of his own at 165. He was up 10-0 after the first period and closed it out halfway through the second for his 10th win of the year. The Bobcats went back up 15-14 with a major decision at 174. Senior and 15th-ranked Bryce Carr answered with a major decision at 184. He was up 3-0 heading into the third period and used three takedowns and two stalling points for a 12-3 victory. With the Mocs leading 18-15, senior Scottie Boykin, ranked No. 15 at 197, closed out the match with a major decision at 197. He scored a pair of takedowns late and rode out the last 18 seconds for an 11-3 win. Both Carr and Boykin are 10-3 overall and all of their losses are to top-10 individuals. "Bryce did a great job," added Eslinger. "He kept putting the pressure on. Same thing with Scottie, he knew he had to get the major and he goes out and gets it done. We knew tonight those were two matches we should win, but again it is not a math test, it is a wrestling match." Up next for the Mocs is the Southern Scuffle, presented by Compound Sportswear, on Jan. 1-2 in McKenzie Arena. Tickets are on sale now on TheSoutherrnScuffle.com. New this year is a Hospitality Pass for fans that includes a reserved ticket and access to the Hospitality Room on the main floor. The Hospitality Room includes two full meals each day and access to a full cash bar. Results: 125: Alonzo Allen (UTC) - MD 18-6 - Trevor Giallombardo (Ohio) - UTC 4-0 133: No. 15 Cameron Kelly (Ohio) - Dec. 6-1 - Jake Huffine (UTC) - UTC 4-3 141: Michael Pongracz (UTC) - Tech Fall 18-1 (5:00) - Colton Chase (Ohio) - UTC 9-3 149: Kade Kowalski (Ohio) - Tech Fall 15-0 - Chris Debien (UTC) - UTC 9-8 157: Cullen Cummings (Ohio) - Dec. 6-4 - Dylan Forzani (UTC) - Ohio 11-9 165: Chad Pyke (UTC) - Tech Fall 16-0 (3:33) - Ben Schneider (Ohio) - UTC 14-11 174: Austin Reese (Ohio) - MD 18-5 - Justin Lampe (UTC) - Ohio 15-14 184: No. 15 Bryce Carr (UTC) - MD 12-3 - Hunter Yeargen (Ohio) - UTC 18-15 197: No. 15 Scottie Boykin (UTC) - MD 11-3 - Aaron Naples (Ohio) - UTC 22-15 285: Zack Parker (Ohio) - MD 15-3 - Ben Stacey (UTC) - UTC 22- 19

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Cornell wrestling team put on a show, winning 8-of-10 matches en route to a 31-6 victory over Buffalo on Monday evening at Mayhem on the Mainstage at UB's Center for the Arts. The Big Red improved to 2-0 on the season, while the Bulls slipped to 3-4. The win, Cornell's 799th dual meet victory in school history, ended with six straight wins - including Chaz Tucker's thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over No. 16 Bryan Lantry at 133 pounds. Tied 1-1 heading into overtime, Tucker wasn't able to escape in the first rideout session. Lantry did escape for the first point, but Tucker, after nearly earning several takedowns in regulation, was able to finish to give the sophomore the victory. The win put the Big Red up 10-6, swinging the match to the visitors. Freshman Max Dean opened the meet with a solid 14-3 triumph over Brett Perry at 184, followed by a solid 5-1 win for Ben Honis at 197. The Bulls won the next two matches to get back within 7-6, but Tucker's upset at 133 made sure the home team's momentum was squashed. The Big Red won by fall at 141 and 165 to turn the close dual into a rout. Freshman Yianni Diakomihalis captured a dominant pin early in the third period, while Jon Jay Chavez squared up Noah Grover early in the second to grab six team points apiece. In between, Jonathan Furnas (149) and Adam Santoro (157) won narrow decisions to keep the train rolling. Brandon Womack closed out the night with an 8-2 triumph at 174. Cornell returns to action following a holiday break at the South Beach Duals beginning on Dec. 29 in Fort Lauderdale. Cornell will face North Dakota State, Minnesota, Kent State and Missouri over a two-day span, beginning with NDSU at 11:00 a.m. on the 29th. Results: 184: #11 Max Dean (C) won by major decision over Brett Perry (UB), 14-3 197: Ben Honis (C) won by decision over Joe Ariola (UB), 5-1 285: #20 Jake Gunning (UB) won by decision over Jeramy Sweany (C), 10-4 125: Kyle Akins (UB) won by decision over Mike Russo (C), 3-0 133: Chaz Tucker (C) won by decision over #16 Bryan Lantry (UB), 3-2 (SV2) 141: #3 Yianni Diakomihalis (C) won by fall over Blake Retell (UB), 5:26 149: Jonathan Furnas (C) won by decision over Jason Estevez (UB), 6-3 157: Adam Santoro (C) won by decision over Eric Fasnacht (UB), 9-7 165: #16 John Jay Chavez (C) won by fall over Noah Grover (UB), 3:40 174: #16 Brandon Womack (C) won by decision over Ryan Kromer (UB), 8-2

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Central Michigan wrestling team won 16 of 20 matches on Monday in sweeping a pair of nonconference duals at Purdue to close a road trip during which the Chippewas were dominant. The 23rd-ranked Chippewas won nine matches in downing Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, 42-3, and then won seven bouts in upending the 19th-ranked Boilermakers, 24-10. The double-dual sweep came two days after the Chippewas rolled to a 34-6 win over Northern Illinois in their Mid-American Conference opener. The weekend tally: CMU won 24 of 30 matches, and it scored bonus points in 14 of those 24 wins. “We did that without one of our better wrestlers (Colin Heffernan), who's been out (injured) for more than two weeks,” CMU coach Tom Borrelli said. “I really feel like we're improving, but we've got to keep the pedal down. We've got a good week to train this week.” The Chippewas wrestle in the Ken Kraft Midlands Championships in Evanston, Ill., Dec. 29-30. On Monday against SIU-Edwardsville, CMU won two matches by pin, two by technical fall. and two more by major decision. The Chippewas posted three major-decision victories and won seven of the final eight matches in beating Purdue on the Boilermakers' home mat at Holloway Gymnasium. Justin Oliver (149 pounds), Logan Parks (165) and Jordan Ellingwood (184) won by major decision against Purdue. CMU's biggest wins came from CJ Brucki (174) and Matt Stencel (285). Brucki, who is ranked 15th, defeated 14th-ranked Dylan Lydy, 7-3. Stencel, an unranked redshirt freshman, took a 4-3 decision from 14th-ranked Shawn Streck. Streck had defeated Stencel twice earlier this season in the Michigan State Open. Streck's second win in that tournament over Stencel came via a pin. On Monday, Stencel rallied from a 3-2 deficit with a takedown with under 10 seconds remaining to pull ahead for good. Brucki dropped a 7-5 decision to Lydy earlier this season at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Brucki trailed, 3-1, in the second period on Monday and knotted the match, 3-3, with a takedown with 16 seconds remaining in the period. Brucki then got an escape, a takedown and a riding point in the third period in posting the victory. “Those were two big matches for us,” Borrelli said. “And those guys really performed well. In both of those matches we came back in the third period which is what we've been really emphasizing.” Among the other highlights: • Parks (165) won both of his matches on Monday by major decision. The sophomore posted an 11-4 win on Saturday at Northern Illinois. “Parks really wrestled well this weekend, I mean really well,” Borrelli said. “He's really coming on.” • Jordan Ellingwood scored bonus points in all three of his wins on the weekend. On Monday, he won by major decision against Purdue and by pin against SIU-Edwardsville. • Redshirt freshman Blake Montrie, Heffernan's replacement at 157 pounds, posted his first dual-meet victory when he beat Karstan Van Velsor of SIU-Edwardsville, 8-3. CENTRAL MICHIGAN 24, PURDUE 10 125: Luke Welch (P) major dec. Drew Hildebrandt, 10-2 133: Ben Thornton (P) dec. Dresden Simon, 6-3 141: Mason Smith (CMU) dec. Nate Limmex, 3-0 149: Justin Oliver (CMU) major dec. Koby Reyes, 15-6 157: Cole Wysocki (P) dec. Blake Montrie, 1-0 165: Logan Parks (CMU) major dec. Jacob Morrissey, 14-1 174: CJ Brucki (CMU) dec. Dylan Lydy, 7-3 184: Jordan Ellingwood (CMU) major dec. Max Lyon, 11-3 197: Jordan Atienza (CMU) dec. Christian Brunner, 10-6 285: Matt Stencel (CMU) dec. Shawn Streck, 4-3 CENTRAL MICHIGAN 42, SIUE 3 125: Drew Hildebrandt (CMU) dec. Zach Genztler, 3-2 133: Dresden Simon (CMU) pinned Joe Antonelli, 2:40 141: Mason Smith (CMU) tech. fall John Muldoon, 16-0, 1:57 149: Justin Oliver (CMU) tech. fall Tyshawn Williams, 25-10, 5:00 157: Blake Montrie (CMU) dec. Karstan Van Velsor, 8-3 165: Logan Parks (CMU) major dec. Nate Higgins, 13-5 174: Hunter Rollins (CMU) major dec. Mason McDaniel, 9-1 184: Jordan Ellingsood (CMU) pinned Jake Godinez, 3:22 197: Christian Dulaney (SIUE) dec. Landon Pelham, 8-4 285: Matt Stencel (CMU) won by forfeit

Pat Hogan and Jacob Holschlag will be guests for this week's broadcast of “On the Mat” this Wednesday, December 20. Guest host Jeff Bradley will talk to the two guests with connections to the University of Northern Iowa. Hogan, a UNI graduate, is currently wrestling coach at Union La Porte High School; Holschlag is the Panthers' 197 pounder. “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 1650thefan.com or locally in Northeast Iowa each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Central on AM 1650, The Fan. A podcast of the show is available on mattalkonline.com. E-mail dgmstaff@nwhof.org with any questions or comments.

RENO, Nev. -- No. 5 Arizona State's Jason Tsirtsis led the way for the Sun Devils at the Reno Tournament of Champions, winning the title at 149 lbs, a tournament self-dubbed the "Toughest Tournament in the USA". The tournament, founded in 1994, now includes junior, high school, and college portions and the college version has grown from a four-way college dual to a 16-team invitational. Tsirtsis earned five straight wins to grab the 149 lbs title, defeating Stanford's Jake Berry and Wyoming's Jaron Jensen in the round of 32 and 16, respectively. In the quarterfinals, Tsirtsis captured his biggest win of the weekend, a 14-1 major decision over North Dakota State's Kyla Gliva. He defeated Oklahoma State's Boo Lewallen and NC State's Beau Donahue in the semifinals and finals, both by decisions. Cory Crooks (141), Oliver Pierce (157), Conner Small (174), and Cade Belshay (197) also wrestled officially for the Sun Devils while several others competed unattached (results below). The Sun Devils are back in action just before the new year at the prestigious Midlands Championships hosted by Northwestern on Dec. 29-30.

Bryce Meredith (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) RENO, Nev. -- Thanks to five top-three finishes, the University of Wyoming wrestling program took second place at the 2017 Reno Tournament of Champions on Sunday. "We started off aggressive this morning and picked up bonus points," head coach Mark Branch said. "At that point, I was happy with the way things were going and the direction we were headed. From then on I thought we stayed consistent and our guys fed of each other." Senior Bryce Meredith (141 pounds), junior Branson Ashworth (165 pounds) and redshirt freshman Montorie Bridges (133 pounds) led the Pokes with first-place finishes at their respective weights, while seniors Archie Colgan (157 pounds) and Chaz Polson (184 pounds) took third for the Brown and Gold. UW racked up 140 points to finish behind No. 6 North Carolina State (192 points) in the team standings. Of Wyoming's 19 wrestlers that competed on Sunday, 14 recorded a bonus-point victory in their opening round match. "To have that many guys competing that late in the day in the semifinals was great," Branch added. "Montorie (Bridges), Bryce (Meredith) and Branson (Ashworth) had outstanding tournaments. They each had big wins that will help with seeding in the tournaments later in the season. Overall, we did well and I hope we can continue with that momentum as the season progresses." Bridges posted a perfect 5-0 mark at the tournament to capture his crown. He flew past the competition early with bonus-points in his first three bouts. Bridges would ultimately earn a solid 10-4 decision over Tariq Wilson of NC State in the finals. Meredith ran through the competition to earn his title at 141 pounds. Meredith's first three wins came via pins to push him to the semifinals. He then earned a 3-2 decision over No. 5 Jaydin Eierman (Missouri) before upsetting former teammate and No. 2 Kevin Jack (NC State) in the finals. As expected, Ashworth went 5-0 and finished first at 165 pounds with a 6-1 decision over Conner Flynn of Missouri. He appeared ahead of the game with up two impressive pins in his first two matches of the day, and then followed with a tech fall in the quarterfinals. Colgan had a standout afternoon for the Pokes. He went 4-1 with two bonus-point victories to finish third at 157 pounds. Colgan, who currently has 96 career victories, moved into 20th all-time in wins at Wyoming. Polson was 4-1 to finish third at 184 pounds for the Brown and Gold. He claimed third-place with an 11-6 decision of Bob Coleman on Sunday night. Pope, who had three bonus-points victories to take fourth with a 3-2 record in Reno. Pope tried to match Polson and Colgan with a third-place finish, but fell to Danial Bullard (NC State) to end the day. Freshman Hayden Hastings was one of five Pokes to wrestle unattached on Sunday. He led the way with a sixth-place finish at 165 pounds. Hastings picked up four wins at the tournament, three of those bonus-points. His first loss came to teammate Ashworth in the quarterfinals and then dropped a decision to Brian Hamann (NC State) in the fifth-place bout. The Pokes will be back in action on Tuesday as they meet No. 3 Oklahoma State in Cheyenne for a 7 p.m. dual at Storey Gym.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- UW-Parkside wrestling had a dominating performance at the 39th Annual Midwest Classic Sunday afternoon, as the Rangers took home the team title in a strong field of 35 teams. Parkside, who came in unranked, finished with 137.0 points in first place over the field that including multiple ranked teams, including four in the top-10 according to intermatwrestle. No. 10 Ashland came in second with 117, No. 3 McKendree finished in third with 112.0 and No. 19 Findlay came in four with 88. The Rangers sent five wrestlers into the semifinals after a good day on Saturday and Nick Becker was the lone Ranger that came away with a championship. Becker, who is the reigning national champion, defeated No. 4 ranked Nick Foster in the championship match. Parkside saw both Airk Furseth (133) and Frank Yattoni (149) finish in second, while Joseph Arroyo (125) and Anthony Cheloni (141) took third place. Furseth fell to Darius Bunch of West Liberty while Yattoni dropped his match to No. 1 ranked James Krischke of Maryville. After the big weekend for the Rangers, the team will take the entire holiday season off before heading to the Mankato Duals on Jan. 6.

Daniel Lewis RENO, Nev. -- Redshirt junior 174-pounder Daniel Lewis (Blue Springs, Mo.) captured an individual title, as No. 4 Mizzou Wrestling (8-0, 2-0 MAC) recorded five top-three finishes at the Reno Tournament of Champions on Sunday. Lewis was dominate throughout the tournament, as he recorded three falls and a major decision en route to his first place finish. In the team standings, Mizzou finished the tournament in third place with 106 points, finishing behind North Carolina State (189 points) and Wyoming (140 points). NOTABLE TIGERS Lewis, who entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, recorded three falls on the day, including back-to-back first period pins in the semifinals and finals. Lewis pinned Daniel Bullard (North Carolina State) at 1:35 to reach the finals, where he pinned Kimball Baston (Utah Valley) at 1:40. With his three falls, the two-time All-American now has 29 career falls, which moves him into seventh place in the all-time career falls list in program history. Redshirt senior 157-pounder Joey Lavallee (Reno, Nev.) returned home to finish second in his final collegiate Reno Tournament of Champions. Lavallee posted wins by major decision and technical fall in his opening two rounds before recording two decision wins to reach the finals, where he fell, 3-1, to No. 16-ranked Hayden Hidlay (North Carolina State). The Tiger senior now has 22 career major decisions, which ranks tied for 10th all-time in program history. Also finishing second was redshirt sophomore 165-pounder Connor Flynn (Dardenne Prairie, Mo.) and redshirt freshman 184-pounder Canten Marriott (Exclesior Springs, Mo.), who each posted records of 4-1 on the day. Flynn recorded a fall and major decision, while Marriott had two technical falls in the tournament. Redshirt sophomore 141-pounder Jaydin Eierman (Columbia, Mo.) finished third in the tournament, defeating Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma State), 5-1 to claim third. Eierman won three matches by bonus points, two by fall and one by major decision. UP NEXT Mizzou will next take the mat at the South Beach Duals, Dec. 29-30 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. On Dec. 29, the Tigers will dual MAC-opponent Kent State at 10 a.m. CT and North Carolina at Noon CT. Then, on Dec. 30, Mizzou will face two ranked opponents, as they wrestle No. 17 Rider at 10 a.m. CT and No. 13 Cornell at Noon CT. For all the latest on Mizzou Wrestling, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (MizzouWrestling).

Christmas came early for Curran Jacobs. The former Michigan State wrestler and current catch wrestling champ came out the winner in his mixed martial arts bout at Knock Out Productions' KOP 59 event at the DeltaPlex Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. Saturday night. Curran JacobsJacobs earned a unanimous decision over Dillon "The Tank" Ankney in a three-round, 185-pound amateur MMA fight. The three judges each scored the bout 30-27 for the Spartan mat veteran. Jacobs came out on top, despite giving up a 5" height advantage to the 6'2" Ankney. "I knew going in he was a brawler and he loves to ground and pound," Jacobs told InterMat. "So I worked hard on my stand up and wanted to go in and get the KO. He had the size and strength advantage so I had to go back to what I know best so I utilized my wrestling to win a very tough unanimous decision." "It was a blast. He's a beast. It was a great victory. Very proud to get that No. 1 spot." With the win, the 28-year-old Jacobs is now 3-0 in his amateur MMA career, while Ankney -- a former Michigan high school wrestler himself -- falls to 6-3. Jacobs teaches catch wrestling at Murcielago MMA, one of the top MMA programs in Michigan. In addition to being an MMA fighter and instructor, Jacobs participates in catch wrestling. This summer, the two-time NCAA qualifier for the MSU Spartans took first place in the 2017 Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament in Humboldt, Iowa, hometown to early 1900s professional wrestling champion Frank Gotch. Watch the Jacobs-Ankney fight in its entirety below.

NC State claimed the team title at the Reno Tournament of Champions RENO, NEV. -- Three NC State wrestlers claimed top honors in their weight class, and a total of seven reached the finals overall, as No. 6 NC State competed in the Reno Tournament of Champions on Sunday. The Pack claimed tournament titles at 157 pounds (R-Fr. Hayden Hidlay), 184 (R-Sr. Pete Renda), and 197 (Michael Macchiavello). In addition, the Pack placed second at 125 (R-Jr. Sean Fausz), 133 (R-Fr. Tariq Wilson), 141 (Sr. Kevin Jack), and 149 (R-Sr. Beau Donahue). In the finals at 157, Hidlay scored a 3-1 OT decision over No. 2 Joey LaVellee of Missouri. With the score tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, Hidlay scored the bout's lone takedown 35 seconds into extra time. Hidlay went 5-0 with three bonus point wins. Renda cruised to the title at 184 pounds also going 5-0. After starting with a 16-1 tech fall, Renda pinned his next four opponents - all in the first period. Included was a pin in the title bout in 2:07 on Missouri's Canten Marriott. The Pack's third title came at 197 by Macchiavello, as he finished a 5-0 day with a 16-4 major decision in the title bout. NC State was well represented in the finals, as seven wrestlers advanced to the title bouts at their weights. In addition, three reached the third place bout and two more were in the fifth place match. The Pack had 13 of its 15 wrestlers advance to the quarterfinals, starting the day out a combined 30-2 with 23 bonus point wins. From that group, 10 reached the semifinals. The Pack took top team honors with 192 points.

NORMAN -- In its first home dual of the season, the No. 20 Oklahoma wrestling team claimed a 19-13 victory over Appalachian State inside McCasland Field House on Sunday afternoon. The Sooners claimed six bout wins in the dual, including one bonus-point victory, to earn the win and move to 2-2 on the season. “I think that we won some close matches, and I think Appalachian State came prepared and fought really hard, and some of our guys were not really ready for that,” head coach Lou Rosselli said. “Maybe some times they think it is going to be easy, but I have tried to explain to them many times that every time you compete it is hard. “I think that the last three matches, those guys had a tough situation,” Rosselli continued. “Losing the 174-pound match, I think the momentum swung right after that. Then we have a couple of freshmen at 184 and heavyweight, and that made it tough on us. But, that is just the way that it is. That is college wrestling. When you are not a team that has five or six superstars that win everything, then we are in battles. We have to battle all the time.” The match started at 149 pounds, where junior Davion Jeffries earned a 2-1 decision over Gavin Londoff. Jeffries earned both an escape and the riding time point to give the Sooners an early 3-0 lead. Redshirt freshman Justin Thomas grew the Sooners' lead to 6-0 with a 9-3 decision over Laken Cook. Thomas opened the match with two takedowns in the first period to build a 4-1 lead. He added on an escape, a 2-point nearfall and a reversal to earn the 9-3 win. At 165 pounds, senior Dawaylon Barnes downed Thomas Flitz by 3-2 decision, marking Barnes' 10th win of the season. He recorded a takedown and an escape in the match, pushing OU's lead to 9-0 after three bouts. After Sooner losses at the next four matches, No. 17 Christian Moody regained the Sooners' momentum with a 6-3 decision over De'Andre Swinson-Barr at 125 pounds. The redshirt sophomore recorded takedowns in the first and second periods and added an escape and the riding time point to put Oklahoma back within one, as it trailed the Mountaineers 13-12. At 133 pounds, redshirt junior Jake Rubio defeated Codi Russell by 17-7 major decision to put the Sooners back in the lead. Rubio took a 5-4 lead after the first period, and an escape, a takedown and a 4-point nearfall in the second extended his advantage to 12-4. He added two more takedowns and the riding time point in the final frame. The win marked Rubio's third major decision of the season, a team high. “Jake did a nice job,” Rosselli said. “Jake came out and took control of his match, and it seemed like it was going to get close, but then he opened it up again… I thought he did a good job competing and being aggressive.” Senior Mike Longo sealed the match for the Sooners with an 8-6 decision over Irvin Enriquez. With two takedowns in the first frame, Longo took a 5-4 lead. Enriquez escaped to start the second period, but Longo took him back down to hold a 7-5 advantage heading into the final frame. Each wrestler was awarded a penalty point in the third period, and Longo finalized OU's 19-13 win. No. 11 Yoanse Mejias (174 pounds) fell to No. 20 Forrest Przybysz, 4-2, in the first sudden victory period. Freshman Matthew Waddell dropped an 11-5 decision to Alan Clothier at 184 pounds. In the 197-pound bout, senior Andrew Dixon was defeated by Randall Diabe in a 5-2 decision. At heavyweight, freshman Connor Webb dropped a 14-4 major decision to Cary Miller. The dual marked the Sooners' final event of the calendar year. OU returns to the mat on Jan. 4 in its Big 12 opener against West Virginia in Morgantown, W. Va. Results: 125 No. 17 Christian Moody (OU) dec. De'Andre Swinson-Barr (APP ST), 6-3 133 Jake Rubio (OU) maj. dec. Codi Russell (APP ST), 17-7 141 Mike Longo (OU) dec. Irvin Enriquez (APP ST), 8-6 149 Davion Jeffries (OU) dec. Gavin Londoff (APP ST), 2-1 157 Justin Thomas (OU) dec. Laken Cook (APP ST), 9-3 165 Dawaylon Barnes (OU) dec. Thomas Flitz (APP ST), 3-2 174 No. 20 Forrest Przybysz (APP ST) dec. No. 11 Yoanse Mejias (OU), 4-2 (SV1) 184 Alan Clothier (APP ST) dec. Matthew Waddell (OU), 11-5 197 Randall Diabe (APP ST) dec. Andrew Dixon (OU), 5-2 HWT Cary Miller (APP ST) maj. dec. Connor Webb (OU), 14-4

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Kennedy Monday pinned No. 7 Tyler Berger in the opening period at 157 points to key a 22-14 North Carolina win over No. 12 Nebraska Sunday afternoon at the Devaney Center. The Tar Heels won six of 10 bouts to score the upset and even their dual record at 2-2 on the year. No. 4 Troy Heilmann added a top-10 win of his own, dropping No. 8 Colton McCrystal 13-4 at 149. James Szymanski opened the dual with a 5-3 win over Mitch Maginnis at 125 pounds. No. 19 Zach Sherman made it 6-0 in favor of UNC with a 3-1 sudden victory win over Zak Hensley at 133. No. 8 Chad Red Jr. got Nebraska (2-2) back in it with a 16-1 tech fall at 149, but the Tar Heels got back-to-back bonus point wins in the next two bouts to reclaim control. Heilmann upped his record to 14-1 and continued the hot start to his redshirt senior campaingn with a 13-4 major over McCrystal. Leading 3-2 after the opening period, Heilmann dominated the second and continued to put the pressure on McCrystal, working for the major in the final two minutes. Monday then delivered the exclamation point with a pin at 1:31 in the first period to put Carolina up 16-5. The redshirt freshman avenged a 7-5 loss to Berger in Las Vegas earlier this month in emphatic fashion for his third pin of the year. All six of his victories so far this season have been on the bonus point variety. Nebraska took three straight bouts to inch within 16-14 in the team score before the Tar Heel heavyweights sealed the victory. Danny Chaid led wire to wire in a 6-2 decision over Eric Schultz at 197 before Cory Daniel topped David Jensen 3-2 at 285 to close out the dual. The 22-14 win was a complete reversal from last year's 30-6 loss to the Huskers in Chapel Hill. Carolina will look to extend its winning streak to three Monday night when the Tar Heels visit No. 15 Northern Iowa at 8 p.m. ET. Results: 125: James Szymanski (UNC) dec. Mitch Maginnis (NU), 5-3 133: #19 Zach Sherman (UNC) dec. Zak Hensley (NU), 3-1 (SV-1) 141: #8 Chad Red Jr. (NU) tech fall A.C. Headlee (UNC), 16-1 149: #4 Troy Heilmann (UNC) maj. dec. #8 Colton McCrystal (NU), 13-4 157: Kennedy Monday (UNC) pinned #7 Tyler Berger (NU), 1:31 165: #10 Isaiah White (NU) dec. Clay Lautt (UNC), 10-4 174: Beau Breske (NU) dec. Adis Radoncic (UNC), 3-2 (TB-1) 184: #6 Taylor Venz (NU) dec. #20 Chip Ness (UNC), 13-11 (SV-1) 197: Danny Chaid (UNC) dec. Eric Schultz (NU), 6-2 285: Cory Daniel (UNC) dec. David Jensen (NU), 3-2

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- No. 1 Penn State (5-0, 1-0 B1G) dominated visiting Indiana (6-3, 0-2 B1G) in the Big Ten dual opener for the Nittany Lions. Head coach Cael Sanderson's squad won nine of ten bouts to roll to a 44-3 win in front of nearly 6,500 fans in Rec Hall. A sell-out crowd of 6,425 filled Rec Hall for Penn State's first home dual since Nov. 12 and was treated la resounding Lion performance, led by junior Jered Cortez (Carol Stream, Ill.) with a big win at 141. The dual victory was Penn State's 36th straight dual victory dating back to the end of the 2014-15 season. The sell-out was Penn State's 37th straight in Rec Hall and its 40th of 42 including three of five in the Bryce Jordan Center. The dual began at 125 where Nittany Lion redshirt freshman Devin Schnupp (Lititz, Pa.) dropped a tough 7-2 decision to two-time NCAA qualifier Elijah Oliver, giving the Hoosiers an early 3-0 lead. Senior Corey Keener (Schuylkill Haven, Pa.), ranked No. 18 at 133, returned to action and dominated Hoosier Garrett Pepple, posting an 11-3 major decision to put Penn State up 4-3. Junior Jered Cortez (Carol Stream, Ill.) looked strong at 141, downing No. 12 Cole Weaver 6-5 to give the Nittany Lions a 7-3 lead. Senior Zain Retherford (Benton, Pa.), ranked No. 1 at 149, remained unbeaten in B1G duals for his career by pinning IU's Davey Tunon at the 1:42 mark. The fall was the seventh this season for Retherford and the 43rd of his career. Junior Jason Nolf (Yatesboro, Pa.), ranked No. 1 at 157, also remained unbeaten in Big Ten action for his career, with a dazzling first period pin, getting the fall at the 1:30 mark. The pin was Nolf's eighth in nine matches this season and the 37th of his career. The veteran duo gave Penn State a 19-3 lead at intermission. Sophomore Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh, Pa.), ranked No. 1 at 165, returned to action for Penn State and picked up a forfeit as Indiana's Bryce Martin suffered a slight injury preparing for the match but could not compete after weighing in. Joseph's win gave Penn State a 25-3 lead. Sophomore Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.), ranked No. 1 at 174, put on a show with a 17-0 technical fall over IU's Devin Skatzka, getting the tech fall at the 4:56 mark with two quick four-point turns late in the second period. Junior Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas), ranked No. 1 at 184, continued his penchant for fast falls, pinning Indiana's Norman Conley at the 0:42 mark. It was Nickal's fifth pin this year, all coming in under 1:00 (and the 30th fall of his career). Sophomore Anthony Cassar (Rocky Hill, N.J.), ranked No. 9 at 197, put on a takedown show with seven takedowns to roll to a 16-5 major decision with 3:21 in riding time. Junior Nick Nevills (Clovis, Calif.), ranked No. 3 at 285, closed out the dual with a strong 11-3 major decision over Indiana's Fletcher Miller. Nevills' win made the final score 44-3 in Penn State's favor. Penn State dominated the dual, posting a 27-4 takedown advantage. Eight of Penn State's nine wins included bonus points and the ninth was a win over a top-12 wrestler. Penn State tallied 17 bonus points off three pins, a forfeit, a tech fall and three majors. The sellout was the 37th straight in Rec Hall for Penn State and the 40th of 42 including three of five in the Bryce Jordan Center. The Nittany Lions are now 5-0, 1-0 in Big Ten action. Indiana falls to 6-3, 0-2. Penn State returns the Southern Scuffle after a year away from the event, looking to win its seventh Scuffle title in as many trips (Penn State won six straight before missing the event last year). The 2018 Southern Scuffle, hosted by UT-Chattanooga, is set for Jan. 1-2 in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Nittany Lions' next home dual is a Big Ten battle against Purdue in Rec Hall on Friday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. With all home dual meets sold out, a limited number of Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets are available to select Rec Hall duals based on availability. Call 1-800-NITTANY for information or to purchase tickets. The 2017-18 Penn State wrestling season is sponsored by The Family Clothesline. Penn State Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at @pennstateWREST, on Penn State Wrestling's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennstatewrest. This is PENN STATE. WRESTLING lives here. Results: 125: Elijah Oliver IND dec. Devin Schnupp PSU, 7-2 / 0-3 133: #18 Corey Keener PSU maj. dec. Garrett Pepple IND, 11-3 / 4-3 141: Jered Cortez PSU dec. #12 Cole Weaver IND, 6-5 / 7-3 149: #1 Zain Retherford PSU pinned Davey Tunon IND, WBF (3:42) / 13-3 157: #1 Jason Nolf PSU pinned Jake Danishek IND, WBF (1:30) / 19-3 165: #1 Vincenzo Joseph PSU win by forfeit / 25-3 174: #2 Mark Hall PSU tech fall Devin Skatzka IND, 17-0 (TF; 4:56) / 30-3 184: #1 Bo Nickal PSU pinned Norman Conley IND, WBF (0:42) / 36-3 197: #9 Anthony Cassar PSU maj. dec. Spencer Irick IND, 16-5 / 40-3 285: #3 Nick Nevills PSU maj. dec. Fletcher Miller IND, 11-3 / 44-3 Attendance: 6,425 (37th straight Rec Hall sellout, 40th of 42 including 3 of 5 in the BJC) Records: Penn State 5-0, 1-0 B1G; Indiana (6-3, 0-2 B1G) Up Next for Penn State: Southern Scuffle, Jan. 1-2, 2018, Chattanooga, Tenn. BOUT-BY-BOUT: 125: Redshirt freshman Devin Schnupp (Lititz, Pa.) took on Indiana veteran Elijah Oliver at 125. Schnupp fought off a quick Oliver shot early and looked to control the action on his feet. Blood time halted action a couple times and Schnupp continued to move away from Oliver's offense, picking up a stall warning at the 1:40 mark. Schnupp tried a quick low single at the :40 mark but a stalemate forced a reset and more blood time at the :29 mark. Tied 0-0, Oliver chose down to start the second stanza and quickly escaped to a 1-0 lead. Schnupp battled Oliver evenly as the second period clock worked its way down to :29 before another blood time for the Lion halted the action again. Oliver connected on a takedown as the period ended to lead 3-0 after two. Schnupp chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 3-1 score. The Lion freshman then turned in on the two-time NCAA qualifier and began looking for a takedown of his own. Schnupp shot low and Oliver countered for a takedown and a 5-2 lead with :50 left. The Hoosier junior finished with a late takedown to post a 7-2 win over Schnupp. 133: Senior Corey Keener (Schuylkill Haven, Pa.), ranked No. 18 at 133, returned to action against Indiana's Garrett Pepple. Keener worked in on a low single, forcing a scramble that he turned into a takedown and a 2-0 lead at the 2:15 mark. Keener worked on top for a few seconds before cutting Pepple loose. Keener blew through a quick double for a second takedown and a 4-1 lead with 1:20 on the clock. Keener cut Pepple loose and then went to work on his feet again but Pepple's defense kept the score at 4-2 through one period. Keener chose down to start the second period and quickly reversed the Hoosier, nearly pinning him in the process, to up his lead to 6-2. Keener cut Pepple loose on a reset with 1:00 left. He then finished in control with a late double leg takedown to lead 8-3 after two periods. Pepple chose neutral to start the third period. Keener scrambled his way to a late takedown and finished on top. With 1:39 in time, Keener posted the 11-3 major decision. 141: Junior Jered Cortez (Carol Stream, Ill.) met No. 12 Cole Weaver of Indiana at 141. Cortez drew first blood with a slick low single to lead 2-0 early. He turned Weaver briefly but the Hoosier worked his way through the move and out of bounds and did not give up the near fall. Cortez controlled the action from the top position for nearly a minute before Weaver escaped and worked his way into a low single and a takedown of his own. Trailing 3-2, Cortez steadily worked his way to an escape and a 3-3 tie after the first period. Weaver chose down to start the second period and appeared to have him turned for two back points. The official was on the other side of the action and Penn State challenged the no call. The call stood and Weaver eventually escaped to a 4-3 lead but Cortez had 1:30 in riding time. Cortez used shoulder control for another takedown and the bout was tied 5-5 at the :20 mark after a quick Weaver escape. Cortez chose down to start the third period. Weaver controlled a Cortez scramble until the Lion escaped with 1:22 left. Cortez led 6-5 but his riding time edge dipped below 1:00. Cortez fought off two Weaver shots, working the clock down to :16. The Lion was hit for one stall with :06 left and the finished on his feet to claim the 6-5 win. 149: Senior Zain Retherford (Benton, Pa.), ranked No. 1 at 149, took on Hoosier freshman Davey Tunon. Retherford used a high double to lift Tunon off the mat and take him down on the edge for a quick takedown and a 2-1 lead after cutting him loose with 2:25 on the clock. Retherford tacked on a second takedown and cut with 1:48 left, then tripped the Hoosier to the mat for a third takedown to lead 6-3 with 1:36 on the clock. Retherford's furious offense led to a fourth takedown and an 8-3 lead with 1:10 on the clock. The Lion then controlled the action from the top, worked the Hoosier's shoulders over and nearly got the pin. But time ran out and Retherford settled for a four-point near fall to lead 12-3 after one. Tunon chose neutral to start the second period but Retherford quickly took him down and to his back. Retherford picked up the pin, his seventh this year and the 43rd of his career, at the 3:42 mark. 157: Junior Jason Nolf (Yatesboro, Pa.), ranked No. 1 at 157, met Indiana's Jake Danishek. Nolf scored quickly, taking Danishek down and cutting him loose to a 2-1 lead just over :30 into the bout. Nolf gave up ankle control and then used his legs for a takedown and four back points to lead 8-1. He then set up Danishek by nearly cutting him loose, then rolled through shoulder control and a fast pin. Nolf got the fall at the 1:30 mark. 165: Sophomore Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh, Pa.), ranked No. 1 at 165, returned to action and picked up a forfeit victory, moving to 4-0 on the year. 174: Sophomore Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.), ranked No. 2 at 174, met sophomore Devin Skatzka. Skatzka shot quickly, gaining control of Hall. The Lion sophomore scrambled his way out of trouble and Indiana called for a video review, looking for a takedown. The call stood and action resumed 0-0 at the 2:40 mark. Hall swiftly took Skatzka down for a quick 2-0 lead. He then worked from the top position, turning the Hoosier for four near fall points to lead 6-0 with 1:40 on the clock. Hall worked top control into a huge riding time edge. Hall finished on top to lead 6-0 with 2:20 in riding time after one period. Hall chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 7-0 lead. Hall forced Skatzka's shoulders down to the mat, worked around for a low single and took the Hoosier down to lead 9-0 with 1:10 on the clock. He then turned him for four back points once, reset, and turned him again for four more to post the dizzying 17-0 technical fall at the 4:56 mark. 184: Junior Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas), ranked No. 1 at 184, met Indiana's Norman Conley. Nickal continued his penchant for fast falls, working shoulder control into a takedown and then finishing off the throw with a pin at the :42 mark. It marks the fifth time this year Nickal has picked up a pin in under one minute. 197: Sophomore Anthony Cassar (Rocky Hill, N.J.), ranked No. 9 at 197, took on Indiana's Spencer Irick. Cassar worked his way to a quick takedown and a 2-0 lead less than :30 into the bout and then controlled the action from the top position. Cassar cut Irick loose to a 2-1 score and action resumed on the Nittany Lion logo midway through the period. Cassar blew through a high shot with :15 left for a second takedown and led 4-01 with 1:04 in riding time after one period. Irick chose down to start the second period and worked his way to an escape and a 4-2 score. But Cassar's offense was on point and the Lion sophomore picked up his third takedown to lead 6-2 with just over 1:00 left in the period. Cassar cut the Hoosier loose at the :30 mark and moved in for a high double and a fourth takedown to lead 8-3 with 2:36 in time after two periods. Cassar chose down to start the third period and quickly escaped to a 9-3 lead. Cassar scrambled his way to another takedown and led 11-3 with 1:10 on the clock. Cutting Irick loose, Cassar countered a slight Hoosier shot for a takedown and a 13-5 lead after another cut. The Lion sophomore finished on top with a final takedown and posted the strong 16-5 major with 3:21 in riding time. 285: Junior Nick Nevills (Clovis, Calif.), ranked No. 3 at 285, met Indiana junior Fletcher Miller. Nevills countered a slight Miller shot, gained control of the Hoosier's shoulders and finished off the takedown to lead 2-0 with 1:36 on the clock. Nevills cut Miller loose, then worked in on a low single leg. He lifted Miller's leg off the mat and tripped the Hoosier to the mat for a 4-1 lead with :40 left in the opening period. Nevills finished in control and led 4-1 with :59 in time after one period. Nevills chose down to start the second period and quickly escaped to a 5-1 lead. Nevills used a low single to notch another takedown and up his lead to 7-1 midway through the period. Nevills finished on top and led 7-1 with 2:12 in time after two periods. Miller chose down to start the third period and Nevills cut him loose at the 1:40 mark. Looking for bonus points, Nevills worked his way around for a fourth takedown and a 9-3 lead after cutting him loose again at the 1:15 mark. Nevills forced a second stall, got the point and then picked up the 11-3 major with 2:46 in riding time. WRESTLING HOME

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- The Bucknell wrestling team upended Pitt, 20-16, in a hard-fought dual Sunday afternoon at Sojka Pavilion. After ceding the Panthers (1-5) a 7-0 lead through the first two bouts, the Bison (1-4) roared back, winning six of the next seven to secure their victory before the heavyweights took the mat. Garrett Hoffman brought the Sojka Pavilion crowd to its feet, sealing Bucknell's first ever win over Pitt by edging Kellan Stout at 197. Hoffman trailed Stout, 4-2, entering the third period but scored an immediate reversal to even the score. After picking up a point for stalling, he built a minute advantage in riding time to win by a 6-4 decision. Tyler Smith kicked off Bucknell's roll by defeating Nick Zanetta, 5-2, in a battle between two ranked 141-pound wrestlers. Smith carried a 3-0 lead into the third period on the strength of a last-second takedown in the second period; after Zanetta drew within two with an escape, Smith scored his second takedown to build what proved to be an insurmountable 5-1 edge. With his win over Zanetta, his second over a ranked opponent in 2017-18, Smith became the 16th Bison to win 85 bouts during his career. Seth Hogue and D.J. Hollingshead came up big for Bucknell, each winning by major decision. Hogue defeated Alex Murray, 13-5, at 149 behind four takedowns. Bolstered by an early four-point near fall, Hollingshead dispatched Curtis Decker, 13-2, at 165. After Hollingshead's commanding victory, Nick Stephani and Drew Phipps won tight, back-and-forth bouts to put Hoffman in position to clinch. Late in the third period of his 174 match against Austin Bell, Stephani fought off a takedown to defend his slim 6-5 lead. At the buzzer, he brought down Bell to win by an 8-5 decision. At 184, Phipps edged Gregg Harvey, who tied the match at 4-4 with an escape late in the third period, on riding time. Pitt won the first three meetings between the teams, including the most recent during the 2014-15 campaign. The Panthers were the fourth team the Bison have faced that was ranked in the USA Today/NWCA Coaches preseason poll, checking in at No. 24. After enjoying a break for the holidays, Bucknell returns to the mat on Sunday, Jan. 7 for a 2 p.m. dual at Navy. Results: 125: L.J. Bentley (Pitt) dec. over Jakob Campbell (BU) 3-1 133: #11/13/10 Dom Forys (Pitt) maj. dec. over Joey Gould (BU) 14-4 141: #14/12/16 Tyler Smith (BU) dec. over #16/19/11 Nick Zanetta (Pitt) 5-2 149: Seth Hogue (BU) maj. dec. over Alex Murray (Pitt) 13-5 157: #20/-/- Taleb Rahmani (Pitt) dec. over Christian Bassolino (BU) 7-2 165: D.J. Hollingshead (BU) maj. dec. over Curtis Decker (Pitt) 13-2 174: Nick Stephani (BU) dec. over Austin Bell (Pitt) 8-5 184: Drew Phipps (BU) dec. over Gregg Harvey (Pitt) 5-4 197: Garrett Hoffman (BU) dec. over Kellan Stout (Pitt) 6-4 285: #15/13/15 Ryan Solomon (Pitt) fall over Nate Feyrer (BU) (1:46)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The second-ranked Ohio State wrestling team closed out the 2017 calendar year with any strong all-around performance, winning nine of 10 matches in a 39-3 triumph over Tennessee-Chattanooga on Sunday afternoon The Cooler in Atlanta, Ga. The Buckeyes are 6-0 on the season with UTC falls to 2-3. After dropping the opening bout of the afternoon, the Buckeyes rebounded by winning the next nine -- seven of which were via bonus points. In the two matches between ranked wrestlers, No. 2 Myles Martin (16-0) controlled the pace against No. 15 Bryce Carr at 184 lbs., winning 10-5. At 197 lbs., top-ranked Kollin Moore (12-0) scored 10 takedowns in a 20-8 major decision over No. 15 Scottie Boykin. Redshirt junior Micah Jordan improved to 14-2 on the year, needing just 1:25 to pin Dylan Forzani at 157 pounds. Not to be outdone, Olympic and World champion Kyle Snyder wowed the capacity crowd with a pin in 3:17 to close out the dual at 285 pounds. It was Snyder's third fall in three matches this year and his 31st consecutive collegiate victory. Other Buckeyes that remained perfect of the year included Luke Pletcher, who is 16-0 and Joey McKenna (4-0). UTC's Alonzo Allen got the dual started by scoring three takedowns at 125 lbs. to top true freshman Brakan Mead, but Pletcher followed with a workman-like 12-4 major decision at 133 lbs. and McKenna broke open a close match late with a flurry of scoring for his 8-2 decision at 133. Hayes, who improved to 17-1 on the year, had three takedowns and two four-point nearfalls in his 15-0 tech fall before Jordan's quick pin of Dylan Forzani. After B. Jordan upped his record to 14-2 with a 12-2 major decision at 174 lbs., the first bout between ranked wrestlers was controlled by Martin at 184 lbs. He led 5-2 after two periods and scored two third-period takedowns for the 10-5 decision. Moore then followed with a takedown clinic of his own, jumping out to a 8-3 first period lead and never looking back. Snyder led 18-7 when he completed the fall at 285 lbs. The Buckeyes now have an extended break before the 2018 portion of their schedule open with a Big Ten road trip the first weekend in January. Ohio State travels to College Park, Md. on Friday, Jan. 5 to take on Maryland and then Piscataway, N.J. on Jan. 7 to tangle with No. 17 Rutgers. Results: 125: Alonzo Allen (UTC) decision over Brakan Mead (OSU) 6-3 | UTC 3, OSU 0 133: Luke Pletcher (OSU) major decision over Jake Huffine (UTC) 12-4 | OSU 4, UTC 3 141: Joey McKenna (OSU) decision over Mike Pongracz (UTC) 8-2 | OSU 7, UTC 3 149: Ke-Shawn Hayes (OSU) tech fall over Chris Debien (UTC) 15-0 | OSU 12, UTC 3 157: Micah Jordan (OSU) fall over Dylan Forzani (UTC) 1:25 | OSU 18, UTC 3 165: Te'Shan Campbell (OSU) major decision over Chad Pyke (UTC) 9-1 | OSU 22, UTC 3 174: Bo Jordan (OSU) major decision over Justin Lampe (UTC) 12-2 | OSU 26, UTC 3 184: Myles Martin (OSU) decision over Bryce Carr (UTC) 10-5 | OSU 29, UTC 3 197: Kollin Moore (OSU) major decision over Scottie Boykin (UTC) 20-8 | OSU 33, UTC 3 285: Kyle Snyder (OSU) fall over Ben Stacey (UTC) 3:17 | OSU 39, UTC 3

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Virginia (2-3) closed out the 2017 dual slate in dominant fashion on Sunday (Dec. 17) afternoon, posting a 36-5 win at Bloomsburg (2-4) in its final dual match before the holiday break. Virginia picked up wins in 9-of-10 weight classes on the way to the victory over Bloomsburg. Six of the wins were bonus-point victories for the Cavaliers. “The guys wrestled really well today,” said Virginia head coach Steve Garland. “We needed a good day to close out a very tough semester and we got that today. It was a good day overall on almost every front. The thing I was most excited about was our guys on top. Hopefully we can carry this into a really big Southern Scuffle tournament.” Virginia got off to a quick start with bonus point victories from No. 16 Louie Hayes (Orland Park, Ill.) at 125 pounds and No. 5 Jack Mueller (Dallas, Texas) at 133 pounds. Hayes won by technical fall in the first period, while Mueller turned in a major decision to give the Cavaliers the nine-point lead overall. Sam Martino (Colonial Heights, Va.) then picked up a decision at 141 pounds. Four consecutive bonus-point victories from No. 19 Sam Krivus (Greensburg, Pa.) at 149 pounds, Michael Murphy (Lookout Mountain, Tenn.) at 157 pounds, Andrew Atkinson (Lynchburg, Va.) at 165 pounds and No. 17 Will Schany (Blair, Neb.) at 174 pounds locked up the victory for the Cavaliers. Bloomsburg picked up its only win of the day at 184 pounds before Jay Aiello (Chantilly, Va.) and Tyler Love (Clifton, Va.) closed things out with wins by decision at 197 pounds and heavyweight, respectively. The Cavaliers will return to action in the new year, kicking things off at the Southern Scuffle hosted by Chattanooga on Jan. 1. The two day event is one of the largest tournaments of the season and features some of the top talent in the nation. Results: 125: No. 16 Louie Hayes tech fall Drew Massetti, 18-2 (2:47) - UVA 5, BU 0 133: No. 5 Jack Mueller major dec. Andy Schutz, 11-2 - UVA 9, BU 0 141: Sam Martino dec. Braden Stahlnecker, 4-1 - UVA 12, BU 0 149: No. 19 Sam Krivus major dec. Evan Campbell, 14-4 - UVA 16, BU 0 157: Michael Murphy won by forfeit – UVA 22, BU 0 165: Andrew Atkinson major dec. Nate Newberry, 10-1 – UVA 26, BU 0 174: No. 17 Will Schany major dec. Anthony Vetrano, 17-5 – UVA 30, BU 0 184: Trevor Allard tech fall Michael Battista, 20-3 (6:28) – UVA 30, BU 5 197: Jay Aiello dec. Logan Womelsdorf, 8-2 – UVA 33, BU 5 HWT: Tyler Love dec. Bruce Graeber, 9-5 – UVA 36, BU 5

One year after announcing it would be adding men's wrestling to its sports roster -- and nine months after hiring a head coach -- Oklahoma Wesleyan University has suspended its intercollegiate wrestling program in its first season in light of the departure of its coach, according to multiple media reports. Colby Robinson is no longer wrestling coach, Oklahoma Wesleyan's athletic director Mark Molder told the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise. "He just chose to look at some other opportunities," Molder told the newspaper in OKWU's hometown. There is no mention of Robinson's departure at Oklahoma Wesleyan's website; his name is still listed as head coach as of Saturday, as is the program's assistant coach, Aaron Hane. Robinson's personal Facebook and Twitter accounts have not been updated in the past week. When asked whether the OKWU Eagles wrestlers would be participating in Sunday's Oklahoma City University Duals as originally scheduled, Molder said, "For right now, we've suspended the operations part of it," until a new head coach is brought on board to take the program "in a different direction." While the OCU Duals is listed on the event calendar of the official OKWU wrestling website, the school is not listed among the participants at the host school's website. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Wesleyan is already mounting a nationwide search for a new wrestling coach. "Hopefully we'll have a little better grasp next week," said Molder. Oklahoma Wesleyan revealed its plans to add a men's intercollegiate wrestling program in early December 2016. In late March of this year, the school announced that it had hired Colby Robinson to head up the new program. Prior to coming to Bartlesville, Robinson had been head coach at DeSmet High School in St. Louis, and an assistant at Missouri Baptist. Located in Bartlesville about 45 miles north of Tulsa, Oklahoma Wesleyan University can trace its roots back to 1909. At its website, here's how Oklahoma Wesleyan describes itself: "As an evangelical Christian university of The Wesleyan Church, OKWU models a way of thought, a way of life, and a way of faith grounded in these four pillars (Christ. Scripture. Truth. Wisdom.). We are a place of serious study, honest questions, and critical engagement, all in the context of a liberal arts community that feels like family." The four-year school has approximately 1,300 students, with about half of them at the Bartlesville campus.

Alex Tirapelle (Photo/Hunter Martin) STANFORD, Calif. - Former Stanford wrestling assistant coach Alex Tirapelle has rejoined the staff as a volunteer assistant coach, head coach Jason Borrelli announced today. "We are thrilled to welcome Alex back to our program, as he is one of the best coaches and wrestling minds in the country," said Borrelli. "Alex epitomizes our program's Cardinal Caliber values and I have zero doubt that our student-athletes will benefit tremendously from his direction." Tirapelle served as an assistant coach for Stanford from 2010-14 before becoming the head coach at Penn (2014-17). While on The Farm, Tirapelle helped guide the Cardinal to its best dual-season record in school history with a 17-5 mark in 2013-14. That year's team sent five wrestlers to the NCAA Championships - tying a then-school record. Four of the five NCAA qualifiers were Pac-12 champions, also a school record. "During Alex's previous stint on The Farm, he was part of a stretch that saw us hit numerous program milestones. We look forward to having him be a part of even more milestones in the future, starting this March in Cleveland," added Borrelli. In his four seasons at Stanford, Tirapelle helped coach 14 wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, including Stanford's second three-time All-American and first two-time finalist in Nick Amuchastegui. The Cardinal earned five total All-America honors during Tirapelle's tenure, including three at the 2011 NCAA Championships in Philadelphia -- the highest All-America output at any NCAA Championships by a Stanford squad. The three All-Americans in 2011 propelled the Cardinal to an 11th-place finish overall, the highest team finish in program history. During his tenure at Penn, Tirapelle went 21-18 in duals and had 13 wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships, including All-American Casey Kent in 2016. Tirapelle will be with the Cardinal on Sunday at the Reno Tournament of Champions. Stanford will have 13 wrestlers in the tournament and an additional four wrestling unattached.

DeKALB, Ill. – Perhaps there was a little residual frustration and maybe something to prove. Whatever the motivation, the Central Michigan wrestling team rebounded on Saturday with a 34-6 victory over Northern Illinois in the Chippewas' Mid-American Conference-opening dual at the Huskies' Convocation Center. The victory, during which the Chippewas won eight matches and scored bonus points in five of those wins, came a week after CMU dropped two duals, the first to 17th-ranked South Dakota State and the second to North Dakota State. “It was more about just wrestling harder, wrestling with more energy and trying to score more points, all those things we've been emphasizing,” CMU coach Tom Borrelli said. “That's really been our emphasis, just to continue to keep the pace high and try to score points and really focus on breaking the matches open in the third period. I think we did that tonight. We'll see if we continue to do it on Monday.” The 23rd-ranked Chippewas, who are 2-3 in duals, go to Purdue on Monday where they will face the Boilermakers and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville in a pair of nonconference duals. CMU will then wrestle in the Ken Kraft Midlands Championships in Evanston, Ill., on Dec. 29-30, closing a rugged month of December that began with the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. The Midlands and the Keen are considered two of the very best regular-season tournaments. “This month has been a really tough month for us,” Borrelli said. “We went to Vegas and then to the Dakotas and this weekend. In between we've had exams and then the Midlands. We're kind of grinding right now. Any time your guys respond the way they responded tonight it's a good sign.” The Chippewas got pins from Mason Smith (141 pounds) and from Matt Stencel (285), a technical fall from Justin Oliver (149), and major-decision victories from CJ Brucki (174) and Jordan Ellingwood (184). CMU's Dresden Simon (133), Logan Parks (165) and Jordan Atienza (197) each won by decision. • It was the first dual-meet win for Simon, a redshirt freshman who defeated junior Alijah Jeffery, 2-1. “That's a big win for Dresden,” Borrelli said. “Anytime our freshman are gaining confidence in themselves it's real important.” • Smith's pin, which came at 1:27, was his second consecutive and his fourth of the year. He improved to 16-3, and 10 of his wins have come either by fall or technical fall. Smith is ranked 19th nationally. • Stencel's pin came in 36 seconds. It was his team-leading ninth of the season, and it marked the eighth time he has pinned his opponent in the first period. • Oliver, who is ranked third, upped his win streak to nine consecutive matches, improving to 14-1. It was his third technical fall of the year. • It marked the third major of the season for Ellingwood and the second for Brucki. Ellingwood is ranked 14th, Brucki is ranked 15th. Results: 125: Brock Hudkins (NIU) dec. Drew Hildebrandt, 4-2 133: Dresden Simon (CMU) dec. Alijah Jeffery, 2-1 141: Mason Smith (CMU) pinned Anthony Rubino, 1:27 149: Justin Oliver (CMU) technical fall Zack Velasquez, 5:00, 20-4 157: Caden McWhirter (NIU) dec. Blake Montrie, 7-2 165: Logan Parks (CMU) dec. Andrew Scott, 11-4 174: CJ Brucki (CMU) major dec. Quinton Rosser, 12-4 184: Jordan Ellingwood (CMU) major dec. Michael Aldrich, 14-3 197: Jordan Atienza (CMU) dec. Max Ihry, 9-3 285: Matt Stencel (CMU) pinned Caleb Gossett, 36 seconds

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- The No. 22/17 Lock Haven University wrestling team (4-0, 1-0 EWL) continued to flex its muscles as LHU went 3-0 on the day, competing at the Bald Eagle Duals. Today's quad meet hosted by LHU at the Liberty Arena in Williamsport, Pa., marked the facility's first collegiate wrestling event in its history and Lock Haven downed Wheeling Jesuit 32-11 before dropping Messiah 34-6. The Bald Eagles closed the day with another strong effort as they rolled over rival Bloomsburg in Lock Haven's Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) opener. Luke Werner (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty), No. 13 Ronnie Perry (Christiana, Pa./Solanco), Jonathan Ross (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern York), No. 8 Chance Marsteller (New Park, Pa./Kennard-Dale (Oklahoma State) and Jared Siegrist (Manheim, Pa./Manheim Central) were all a perfect 3-0 on the day. Marsteller (165) was 3-0 with two tech falls and a pin. He's now a perfect 19-0 on the season. Perry (149) was 3-0 with three tech falls. He extended his win streak to 12 matches and now has 85 career wins as he looks to become the 20th LHU wrestler in school history with 100 career wins. Werner won by forfeit, before registering two majors at 125, Ross was 3-0 at 157 and Siegrist was 3-0 at 174. On the day, Corey Hazel (Spring Mills, Pa./Penns Valley) was 2-0 at 184 and Kyle Shoop (Boiling Springs, Pa./Boiling Springs) was 2-1 at 141. Lock Haven opened the day with a dominating 32-11 win over No. 23 (DII) Wheeling Jesuit (4-1). The Bald Eagles won seven of 10 bouts and got tech falls from both Perry (149) and Marsteller (165). DJ Fehlman (Warren, Pa./Warren) added a major at 133, and Siegrist needed just 56 seconds to pin Justice Avery at 174. In LHU's second match of the day the Bald Eagles rolled by No. 14 (DIII) Messiah (4-4), 34-6. Lock Haven won eight of 10 bouts. LHU got tech falls from Shoop (141), Perry (149) and Siegrist (174). Werner won by major at 125 and Marsteller recorded a pin at 165. LHU capped the day in style, winning nine of 10 bouts in the lopsided 37-2 win over Bloomsburg (2-3, 1-1 EWL). The Bald Eagles recorded four tech falls and two majors. Thomas Haines (Quarryville, Pa./Solanco (Ohio State), ranked No. 13 at 285, only saw action vs. Bloomsburg, but he put an exclamation on the big conference win with a thrilling tech fall. He extended his win streak to nine matches. Lock Haven entered today's action with a 1-0 dual meet record. On Friday, Dec. 1, LHU upset Rutgers for the Bald Eagles first dual-win of the season. LHU was ranked No. 22 in the most recent USA Today/NWCA Coaches' poll and the Bald Eagles were ranked No. 17 in this week's InterMat Dual Meet rankings. Lock Haven 32 - Wheeling Jesuit 11 125: Luke Werner (LHU) wins by forfeit; LHU leads 6-0 133: DJ Fehlman (LHU) major dec. Jaylen Hill (WJU) 11-3; LHU leads 10-0 141: Tyler Warner (WJU) dec. Kyle Shoop (LHU) 3-2; LHU leads 10-3 149: #13 Ronnie Perry (LHU) tech fall Daniel Romero (WJU) 16-0, 1:55; LHU leads 15-3 157: Jonathan Ross (LHU) dec. Connor Craig (WJU) 5-3; LHU leads 18-3 165: #8 Chance Marsteller (LHU) tech fall Keegan Driscoll (WJU) 18-2, 4:58; LHU Leads 23-3 174: Jared Siegrist (LHU) pinned Justice Avery (WJU) 0:56; LHU leads 29-3 184: Corey Hazel (LHU) dec. Aidan Pasiuk (WJU) 5-0; LHU leads 32-3 197: Saywer Leppla (WJU) dec. Tristan Sponseller (LHU) 7-4; LHU leads 32-6 285: Terrance Fanning (WJU) tech fall Derek Dragon (WJU) 16-0, 4:43; Lock Haven wins 32-11 Lock Haven 34 - Messiah 6 125: Luke Werner (LHU) major dec. Sean Redington (MC) 15-7; LHU leads 4-0 133: #10 Hunter Harris (MC) dec. DJ Fehlman (LHU) 12-11; LHU leads 4-3 141: Kyle Shoop (LHU) tech fall Nick Nunez (MC) 17-2, 6:44; LHU leads 9-3 149: #13 Ronnie Perry (LHU) tech fall Stephen Maloney (MC) 26-11; LHU leads 14-3 157: Jonathan Ross (LHU) dec. Lee Cassel (MC) 7-0; LHU leads 17-3 165: #8 Chance Marsteller (LHU) pinned Kevin Diehl (MC) 1:18; LHU leads 23-3 174: Jared Siegrist (LHU) tech fall David Stevens (MC) 24-6, 6:50: LHU leads 28-3 184: Trey Hartsock (LHU) dec. #9 Derek Beitz (MC) 11-8; LHU leads 31-3 197: #4 Kyle Koser (MC) dec. Tristan Sponseller (LHU) 5-4: LHU leads 31-6 285: Derek Dragon (LHU) dec. Dan Kiser (MC) 8-4; Lock Haven wins 34-6 Lock Haven 37 - Bloomsburg 2 125: Luke Werner (LHU) major dec. Andrew Massetti (BU) 14-4; LHU leads 4-0 133: Andy Schutz (BU) dec. DJ Fehlman (LHU) 3-1; LHU leads 4-3 141: Kyle Shoop (LHU) tech fall Shawn Orem (BU) 16-0, 2:00; LHU leads 9-3 149: #13 Ronnie Perry (LHU) tech fall Ryan Stocku (BU) 24-9, 6:20; LHU leads 14-3 157: Jonathan Ross (LHU) major dec. Kevin Laubach (BU) 11-2; LHU leads 18-3 165: #8 Chance Marsteller (LHU) tech fall Nate Newberry (BU) 19-3, 3:20; LHU leads 23-3 174: Jared Siegrist (LHU) dec. Kyle Murphy (BU) 4-3; LHU leads 26-3 184: Corey Hazel (LHU) dec. Trevor Allard (BU) 5-3; LHU leads 29-2* 197: Tristan Sponseller (LHU) dec. Logan Womelsdorf (BU) 7-4; LHU leads 32-2 285: Thomas Haines (LHU) tech fall Bruce Graeber (BU) 15-0, 5:19; Lock Haven wins 37-2 *Bloomsburg was deducted a team point for control of the mat during the 184-bout *individual rankings = InterMat Up next, the Lock Haven Classic: On Friday, Dec. 29, LHU will host the 2017 Lock Haven Classic tournament. Action will get underway at 9:30 a.m. with several Bald Eagles set to hit the mats. It will mark the seventh annual Lock Haven Classic and the Bald Eagles are coming off their first title. Last year when LHU won, it marked the sixth different champion as Lock Haven (2016), Pittsburgh (2015), Hofstra (2014), Michigan State (2013), Bloomsburg (2012) and Michigan (2011) have each claimed a past title. A look ahead to the Southern Scuffle: For the first time since 2010, Lock Haven will return to the prestigious Southern Scuffle Tournament. The 2018 Southern Scuffle kicks off on New Year's Day. The two-day (Jan. 1 - 2) tournament is hosted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The Bald Eagles attended the Southern Scuffle every season from 2004 to 2010 and their highest finish in seven appearances came in 2004 (11th). Seth Martin is Lock Haven's only Southern Scuffle champion (2006, 157-lbs.).

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The Clarion wrestling team earned its first dual match win of the season on Saturday, riding two late pinfalls to a 24-20 win over Pittsburgh at Fitzgerald Fieldhouse. The Golden Eagles (1-1) have now beaten the Panthers in each of the last two meetings between the teams. The highlight of the match may very well have been the action in the upper weight classes, when Clarion turned a 14-9 team point deficit into a 21-14 lead. Dom Rigous started it off at 174 pounds with his win over Austin Bell. Things started innocently enough with Rigous taking a 2-0 lead into the second period, but it was his takedown and tilt midway through that round that spelled the end. Rigous twisted and contorted Bell before finally getting him flat on the mat for the fall at 4:04. By comparison, Greg Bulsak's win by fall at 184 pounds came as a sudden shock, with the redshirt freshman pinning Gregg Harvey in the first period. Bulsak wasted no time at all, bringing Harvey down and notching four back points seemingly as soon as the bout began. Continuing to work Harvey throughout, Bulsak finally got the fall with eight seconds remaining in the first, putting the Golden Eagles in the driver's seat down the stretch with a 21-14 lead. Bulsak's win essentially clinched the team match, but Dustin Conti's overtime victory at 197 pounds guaranteed a team win for the Golden Eagles. It was back-and-forth with Kellan Stout through three periods, with the two wrestlers tied at 3-3 after three periods. Neither scored in the sudden victory period but Conti reversed Stout in the first tiebreaker, spinning out of the down position for two points. He kept Stout at bay in the next portion to pick up the 5-3 decision. Clarion started fast with an encouraging win at 125 pounds, with Jake Gromacki defeating two-time NCAA qualifier LJ Bentley soundly to put the Golden Eagles on the board first. The turning point of the match came midway in the second period, when Gromacki – who started in the up position – managed to tilt Bentley for a four-point near fall. That broke the scoreless tie and put Gromacki in position to dictate the pace of the third period. Bentley got a two-point takedown in the third period to cut the lead to 5-2 and seemed on the verge of scoring a near fall of his own, but Gromacki reversed him late to cement the victory. The 141-pound match saw two nationally ranked contenders battle it out, with Brock Zacherl and Nick Zanetta throwing down in a tightly contested bout. The only scoring in the first two periods came when Zacherl escaped from the down position to start, and neither wrestler was ready to give an inch. Zanetta escaped to start the third period but Zacherl finally caught him on a shot to make it 3-1. Zanetta escaped again but could not catch Zacherl as the latter held on for a 3-2 decision. The 149-pound bout was a similar defensive struggle. Taylor Ortz trailed 2-1 after one period but seized the momentum in the second period after starting the round on top. He rod Alex Murray out in the second period and then escaped to start the third, tying the bout for the time but also clinching the riding point in the process. Not content to leave it at that, Ortz took Murray down in the waning second of the third period to lock up the 5-2 decision. Results: 125: Jake Gromacki (Clarion) def. LJ Bentley (Pittsburgh) Dec. 8-2 133: #11 Dom Forys (Pittsburgh) def. Roshaun Cooley (Clarion) TF 18-3 141: #9 Brock Zacherl (Clarion) def. #16 Nick Zanetta (Pittsburgh) Dec. 3-2 149: Taylor Ortz (Clarion) def. Alex Murray (Pittsburgh) Dec. 5-2 157: #20 Taleb Rahmani (Pittsburgh) def. Avery Shay (Clarion) Fall 4:59 165: Jake Wentzel (Pittsburgh) def. Max Wohlabaugh (Clarion) SV-1 4-2 174: Dom Rigous (Clarion) def. Austin Bell (Pittsburgh) Fall 4:04 184: Greg Bulsak (Clarion) def. Gregg Harvey (Pittsburgh) Fall 2:52 197: Dustin Conti (Clarion) def. Kellan Stout (Pittsburgh) TB-1 5-3 285: #15 Ryan Solomon (Pittsburgh) def. Toby Cahill (Clarion) Fall 1:33