InterMat Staff

The ink was barely dry on the UFC 182 post mortem pieces before news came out that Jon Jones would go straight from defending his light heavyweight title into rehab. But on the bright side, his positive drug test appears to come with a lot less punishment than some of his fellow fighters have endured. Also, Donald Cerrone kicked Myles Jury's butt (literally and figuratively) and decided it was easy enough to take a rematch with Ben Henderson just two weeks later. All that and then some on this week's episode. Do you want to listen to a past episode? Access archives.

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier faced off Saturday night for the light heavyweight title of the world. While most wrestling fans on social media were pulling for Cormier, it was Jones who won the fight, even taking down the two-time Olympic wrestler on three occasions. That Cormier lost was a disappointment to many wrestling fans, but the class with which he handled the setback and the deluge of personal attacks by Jones exemplified the wrestler's class. Cormier showed fans the means to improve not through blustery proclamations, but in the honest, eye-piercing and resolute determination of a wrestler. Cormier showed the sporting world that character can trump accomplishment. Daniel Cormier at the United 4 Wrestling event in 2013(Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)That was an important character to own this week when it was reported that Jones had tested positive for cocaine in the month leading up to his title fight. Again, despite having an opening to take advantage of Jones' misfortune, Cormier responded with an earnest and well-described wish for his recovery. In the torrent of news about Jones and the cocaine abuse (not to mention VERY suspicious testosterone levels) it was Cormier that received the spotlight -- and for deserving reasons. I'd love nothing more than to see Cormier win the UFC light heavyweight title, but in a sports world rotten with flawed figures immune to admitting defeat, I'd rather have a one-loss Cormier as a role model to young wrestlers than I would the most recent version of champion Jones. To your questions ... Q: Thoughts on the new law in California for football regarding full contact in practice? -- Tony R. Foley: No brainer. Football is dying. Nothing can save the sport from the PR disaster caused by the admission that hits to the head causes trauma, including the scary-as-hell CTE. The sport is withering away on the brain stem and we have front row seats to the disaster. The NFL's "Heads Up" movement won't do much to change the NFL's future because mothers -- now given the heart-wrenching details of the consequences of slapping skulls together for years on end -- won't allow their sons to play the sport. As time passes the numbers of participants will plummet and so will the numbers of fans and ad revenue. Add in the increased medical costs assumed by the NFL and massive bills for litigations and settlements at ALL levels and you have a sport with no more than 30 years left of commercial viability. If you want to see contact, grow masculinity and see skill, support rugby sevens. Q: Just wondering, as an example, I see Ohio State did not compete in the Midlands or Southern Scuffle. If Logan Stieber or some of his teammates wanted to compete as open, would their coach be upset with them? For a wrestler not to compete from December 14 to January 4, won't he/she get rusty? I think university wrestlers don't have enough matches to begin with, 32 matches a year, compared to 50 of a high school kid! All that practice for 32 matches a year is a lot of fluff -- all that practice is really working for Taylor Massa -- Paul L. Foley: Let's turn that theory on its head. Do you think that 50 matches is too much for a high school student? The difference is the quality of competition and how much time it takes to prepare and recover from events. Most wrestlers in high school can finish a weekend tournament because many of their matches aren't difficult. In college almost no match is "easy" and almost all cause some sort of minor soreness or pain. When our top athletes reach the international level that number of matches drops to 15-20 a year. I'd argue that wrestling should have a single semester season which runs at least four weeks shorter, and which would have fewer matches. That would mean better matches once they are competed and allow for the sport to optimize fan involvement. We don't want to suffer from an over-saturation, a la the UFC, but we also want our athletes to remain sharp. Taylor Massa is a stud! Q: I saw that Brent Metcalf is wrestling Aaron Pico at Agon, and Jason Welch is wrestling DSJ -- Andrew L. Foley: Agon has risen from the ashes and put together one hell of a show. The freestyle rules seem to attract the best guys in the world (shocker, I know) and that means Agon is able to better promote their presentation. I'll definitely be watching this one, as I suspect will many fans of international wrestling. Q: Back when I competed in the Midlands there were a lot of post-grads competing. Late 80's-90's. Since the Scuffle has taken away a lot of the top college teams, why doesn't the Midlands award any post-college wrestler $500 if they win a title and $250 for a finals appearance? Can they do this? If so, what are your thoughts? -- Joe P. Foley: I doubt they'd be allowed to hand out prize money at an NCAA event, even if only to post-grads. The problem with Midlands and post-grads is that the style isn't freestyle, there is an excellent chance of getting hurt and (as you stated) they don't earn money for participation. The other issue is that there are enough post-grad wrestling opportunities now between expanded budgets at the club and national level, that many wrestlers don't need the extra matches in order to stay sharp -- they can travel overseas. MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME In Focus: Bubba J Cormier after the loss Link: Wrestling Diplomacy Q: So my original devil's advocate question was going to be "Why NOT add a pushout point to college wrestling?" Then it dawned on me that edge wrestling does not happen on its own -- somebody is teaching it. From junior high on up, former wrestlers turned coaches are the ones that have taught today's wrestlers how to wrestle at the edge of the circle. It was more comfortable for them and it is safer for their teams. Can we break that cycle? Is there ANY support from the coaching ranks to add a pushout rule to collegiate wrestling? -- Brad B. A follow-up statement/question ... Q: After watching the tOSU/Iowa dual this past weekend, I'm finally on board with you that the pushout rule is something to be considered in college wrestling. About half of those matches had almost zero action from the neutral position and included a lot of backing out and edge wrestling. This trend toward inaction is finally starting to get to me as a wrestling fan. The sport is a tough enough sell when it's exciting but if we are going to be subjected to 2-1 matches decided by riding time for 5 out of 10 dual matchups, then even as a hardcore wrestling fan I'd rather spend my entertainment dollars elsewhere. Is there any consideration from the powers that be to make rule changes forcing some offensive action? Pushout or otherwise? (Disclaimer: this is not meant to disparage wrestlers like Stieber, Jordan, and Sorensen who actually put on a show.) -- Pat S. Foley: Very interesting and valid point about what wrestlers are being taught in the room. Teams have styles and those styles are being promoted by the coach. The support for a pushout rules is growing among fans and (I think) college coaches. Almost every wrestling fan wants the same outcome -- for wrestling to have more scoring and to create exciting matches. Right now the lack of an out-of-bounds line is resulting in too much scrambling on the edge and not enough technical action. There is blatant stalling that is not being credited with points for opponents. Too much of the sport has become gamesmanship, and that means less action. Less action means fewer viewers. It's always a terrible idea to predict the actions of the NCAA Competition Committee, but I suspect we will see a pushout added to next year's rules. The rules might not be exactly like the one seen at the international level, but the success of that rule in creating action has become too incredible for the NCAA to ignore. Q: What did you think about the fact that the Big Ten Network broadcasted all the matches for the Midlands on the Internet for free vs. Flo's coverage which had to be paid for? The Southern Scuffle unfortunately was available only on Flo's premium service as well. They very well could do the same for conference tournaments and the NCAA tournament, but ESPN3 will more likely also broadcast them for free. I can understand certain things being only available to premium members, but why not broadcast the wrestling to all when other sites already do it for free? You think they might do that someday? Maybe when they reach critical mass and can afford to do so? -- Frank C. Foley: Well, all three charge for their online video use, and that I don't think will ever move over to a free platform. That BTN didn't this time is because the event was being broadcast and is a part of many people's cable package. However, know that in having a cable package you pay for that channel every month. ESPN charges one of the highest monthly rates to cable companies, and just last week announced plans to run their entire selection through an app for $20/month. I don't know Flo's financials, but I'm 99 percent sure that they will never stop charging for video content as it provides them a massive annual revenue stream.

Cade Olivas (Photo/Rob Preston)This weekend's Doc Buchanan Invitational hosted by Clovis, Calif. is the best in-season tournament in the western third of the United States. The event features close to 20 nationally ranked wrestlers, including two that are first in the nation, and three more that are second nationally. The 100-team field includes four Fab 50 squads: No. 4 Clovis, No. 6 Buchanan, No. 11 Bergen Catholic (N.J.), and No. 27 Bakersfield. Three of the weight classes are projected to feature three nationally ranked wrestlers, and most feature a mass of returning California (and other states) state placers. Below is a weight-by-weight overview of the event. 106: Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco) is the nation's top-ranked wrestler in this weight class, and a strong favorite to win the title, even with another top five national wrestler present in Junior National Triple Crown winner Randon Miranda (Quartz Hill). Others to watch include Cadet Nationals double champion Nico Aguilar (Gilroy) along with state qualifier Bryce Morita (Clovis West). 113: Returning state champion Justin Mejia (Clovis) is the nation's second-ranked wrestler in this weight. He should be sternly tested with another pair of nationally ranked wrestlers present: No. 10 Ian Timmins (Wooster, Nev.), a Cadet Nationals double finalist; and No. 4 (at 106) Tomas Gutierrez (Pomona, Colo.), a returning state champion. Others to watch include returning state placers David Campbell (Mission Oak) and Javier Alaniz (Clovis West), along with state qualifiers Andrew Nelms (Porterville) and Zander Silva (San Marino). 120: Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) is ranked No. 2 nationally in this weight class, and undefeated through two-plus years of high school competition. While he is the favorite here, there are two other nationally ranked wrestlers in the weight class: No. 14 (at 113) Navonte Demison (Bakersfield), a returning state third place finisher, and No. 20 Devan Turner (Dixon). Other to watch include returning state placers NicoColunga (Oakdale), Isaiah Palomino (Bellarmine Prep), and Tristen Gilliland (Clovis); multi-time state champion Kyson Levin (Pleasant Grove, Utah); Reno TOC champion Travis Torres (Pomona, Colo.); 2013 Cadet freestyle All-American Chris Deloza (Clovis North); along with state qualifier Ross Arve (Buchanan). 126: In addition to the pair of nationally ranked wrestlers, No. 7 (at 132) Israel Saavedra (Modesto) and No. 19 Durbin Lloren (Buchanan), there is an abundance of quality depth. Other returning state placers include Jaden Enriquez (Mission Oak), Peter Lipari (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), and Russell Rohlfing (Sonora). Enriquez was a Cadet National folkstyle and Greco-Roman champion, as well as a freestyle All-American; Lipari was a Junior National freestyle All-American. Others to watch include state champions Nelson Jones (Pleasant Grove, Utah) and Michael Soler (Lake Stevens, Wash.), notable freshmen Jacob Greenwood (Poudre, Colo.) and Alex Felix (Gilroy), along with returning state qualifier J.J. Figueroa (Bakersfield). 132: Wrestlers to watch in this weight class, which is bereft a nationally ranked wrestler two-time state champion Ben Anderson (Pleasant Grove, Utah), returning state placer Julian Flores (San Marino) and Carlos Herrera (Bakersfield), along with dynamite freshmen in Shane Griffith (Bergen Catholic, N.J.). 138: Without a nationally ranked wrestler, this is one of the tournament's weaker weight classes. Lynchpin figures are returning state placers Isaiah Hokit (Clovis) and Evan Wick (San Marino). Others to watch include former state placer Khristian Olivas (Clovis), state champion Cole Van Anrooy (Roseburg, Ore.), state qualifiers Greg Gaxiola (Buchanan) and Lauren Angelhina (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), freshman sensation John Manning (Juan Diego, Utah), and Nick Valadez (Pitman). 145: This is the final of three weighs featuring three nationally ranked wrestlers. The group is led by returning state third placer McCoy Kent (Enochs), who is ranked No. 8 nationally. He is joined in the rankings by No. 15 Jeremy Thomas (Santiago Corona), a returning state qualifier who placed third at the Walsh Ironman; as well as No. 19 Zander Wick (San Marino), a returning state qualifier who won the Southwest Kickoff Classic. Others to watch include state placer Joseph Dominguez (Northview), state qualifier Lane Barnes (Clovis), and notable freshman Jake Ryan (Oakdale). 152: Leading the way in this weight class is No. 17 Justin Thomas (Santiago Corona), already a two-time state placer and just a junior. Others to watch include state champion Layne van Anrooy (Roseburg, Ore.); state placers Connor Francis (Buchanan) and Nigel Ruiz (Bishop Amat); along with state qualifiers Jared Hill (Clovis), and Luke Troy (San Marino). 160: This is the second of three weight classes in the tournament that does not feature a nationally ranked wrestler. The likely favorite is two-time state qualifier Dominic Kincaid (Clovis), who is ranked No. 1 in this weight class by The California Wrestler. Others to watch include returning state placer Alex Garcia (Christopher), 2013 state placer Lorenzo de la Riva (Folsom), state qualifiers Ricky Padilla (Northview) and Zack Velasquez (Ponderosa), and notable freshman Anthony Montalvo (Buchanan). 170: The obvious anchor here is the nation's top-ranked overall senior Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco), who is ranked No. 2 in this weight class. Others to watch include state placers Josh Hokit (Clovis, Calif.), Joe Grello (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), and Koy Wilkinson (Pleasant Grove, Utah); state qualifier Mason Koshiyama (Folsom); and Powerade runner-up Cade Belshay (Buchanan). 182: The nation's No. 1-ranked wrestler in this weight class is Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco), and he is the obvious favorite here. Others to watch include Kevin Mulligan (Bergen Catholic), ranked No. 15 nationally; state champion Haydn Maley (Roseburg, Ore.); as well as state placers Matt Penyacsek (Gilroy) and A.J. Nevills (Clovis); 195: No. 19 Ritchie Brandt (Liberty-Madera), a state runner-up last year, leads the way in this weight class. Other contenders include Powerade runner-up Young Woo An (Buchanan), state champions Hunter Brown (Centennial, Nev.) and Cody Vigoren (Lake Stevens, Wash.), state placers Alec Gamboa (Madera) and Austin Flores (Clovis North); as well as state qualifier Adam Prentice (Clovis) 220: This is the shallowest weight in the Golden State this year, and as such is the weakest in this Doc Buchanan event. A couple wrestlers to note are Kai Dill (Buchanan), Mark Penyacsek (Gilroy) and freshman Seth Nevills (Clovis). 285: Leading the way here is returning state placer Joey Alvarez (Selma), ranked No. 17 nationally. Others to watch include Dane Drimmer (Chaparal), Hexton Coronado (Clovis), and Zack Levatino (Buchanan).

The Jack Pinto Cup Dual Series, international Greco-Roman wrestling competitions hosted by USA Wrestling, will change its format in 2015 and feature two challenge dual meets in Colorado in late January. The 2015 Jack Pinto Cup - Greeley will be held at the Bank of Colorado Arena at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo. on Friday, January 23 at 5:30 p.m. It will be held alongside the UNC vs. Oregon State NCAA Div. I college dual meet, scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. The 2015 Jack Pinto Cup – The Springs will be held in the Heritage Ballroom at the Antlers Hilton Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, January 25, with the doors opening at 1:30 p.m., with competition starting at 2:00 p.m. This is the third year for the Jack Pinto Cup, in loving memory of six-year-old Jack Pinto who lost his life in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Newtown, Conn. Active in a number of sports, Pinto was a wrestler with the Newtown Youth Wrestling Association, a USA Wrestling club in his hometown. In the past, the Jack Pinto Cup featured international dual meets with four U.S. teams competing against four international teams in a tournament format. This format has been consistent throughout the history of the event, which has been held in Colorado Springs since it was created in 2005. Previous names of this event were the Kit Carson Cup and the Kiki Cup. In 2013, with the support of the Pinto family, the event was named in Jack Pinto’s honor. This year, the format will be changed to a challenge dual meet series, in a format similar to a boxing or Mixed Martial Arts card. A top athlete from the United States will battle a top international athlete from another nation in a number of different matches. The format change has been championed by USA Wrestling’s National Greco-Roman Coach Matt Lindland, who joined the national staff in 2014. Lindland, an Olympic and World silver medalist as a Greco-Roman wrestler, also had a career as an athlete, coach and promoter in MMA. The change has been made to help better promote and showcase Olympic-caliber Greco-Roman wrestling and the star athletes from the sport. “The format change is designed to make it more entertaining and a fan-friendly event. The plan is to bring the wrestling community together to see our best athletes. This is a social event, with international wrestling as the entertainment. The athletes are excited about the new format and can’t wait to put on a great show for the fans,” said Lindland. “We are honored to have Jack remembered through this annual competition and hope that it serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. The kindness shown to us by USA Wrestling and the entire wrestling community is a reflection of the values our children learn by participating in youth wrestling,” said Jack’s father Dean Pinto. The lineups for the Jack Pinto Cup Dual Series this year have not yet been completed, but will be announced shortly. The Jack Pinto Cup - Greeley is a new concept, where USA Wrestling will partner with a local college wrestling program to bring Greco-Roman wrestling to a different audience. Fans will have the chance to see great wrestling on both the international level and the Div. I college level. Northern Colorado is led by first-year coach Troy Nickerson, a past NCAA champion and U.S. Olympic Training Center resident athlete. The UNC Bears will battle No. 18 ranked Oregon State of the Pac 12 in a highly-anticipated match. “The University of Northern Colorado is excited to bring world class wrestling to Greeley, Colorado in conjunction with our collegiate dual versus Oregon State University. This event will bring a great atmosphere to our arena while exposing Greco Roman wrestling at a higher level,” said UNC head coach Troy Nickerson. Tickets for the UNC vs. Oregon State dual and Jack Pinto Cup - Greeley are $7 for adults and $5 for youth (13 & Under), Faculty/Staff and Seniors. You can purchase them beforehand by calling by calling 970-351-4409 or online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=22218&event_val=AWRE The Jack Pinto Cup – The Springs will be a presented with high production values, on a raised stage with music, lighting and a professional public address announcer. There will be tabled seating available matside at the event, with a food and beverage service available for fans. There are expected to be as many as 10 matches on the card, with a number of U.S. stars who live and train in Colorado Springs. The Main Event will feature 2014 World bronze medalist Andy Bisek (Colorado Springs, Colo./Minnesota Storm) at 65 kg/165 lbs., who had the top American Greco-Roman performance at the 2014 World meet in Uzbekistan. The Co-Main Event will feature two-time Olympian and five-time World Team member Spenser Mango (Colorado Springs, Colo./Army WCAP) at 59 kg/130 lbs. Another top American star expected on the card is two-time World Team member Robby Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) at heavyweight. Matside tables with 10 seats are still available for the event for $1,000 each table. Individual non-tabled seats for other spectators are available for $10 each. Those seeking tables or tickets for the Jack Pinto Cup – The Springs should contact Tyler Gonzales of USA Wrestling at the national office at 719-598-8181 ext. 601, or via email at tgonzales@usawrestling.org. Tickets can be mailed upon request or will be available at Will Call at the Antlers Hilton during the event. The foreign athletes for both dual meets will be selected from a number of international teams that are coming to train with Greco-Roman Team USA at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in January. Expected teams include Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Japan and South Korea. These athletes will also compete in the Greco-Roman portion of the annual Dave Schultz Memorial International at the U.S. Olympic Training Center on Thursday, January 29. For information, contact Gary Abbott of USA Wrestling at 719-659-9637 or gabbott@usawrestling.org

EDWARDSVILLE, IL. -- In its first Southern Conference action of the season, Appalachian State University wrestling jumped out to a big lead against SIUE and didn't look back winning 34-9. Dominic Parisi gave Appalachian a quick start by pinning Cameron Kelly 1:32 into the match. The win was Parisi's 20th of the season. At 133, Vito Pasone stretched the Appalachian lead to 11 with a 16-0 technical fall over Kenny Baldridge. Michael Longo followed up Pasone's victory with his fourth pin of the season. Longo pinned Angelo Silvestro 7:41 into the match to give App State a 17-0. The Mountaineers continued to roll when Javon Johnson earned a 9-2 decision victory over Karsten Van Velsor. At 157 pounds, Zack Strickland pinned Erik Travers 5:28 into the bout to increase the Appalachian lead before Nick Kee won a major decision victory at 165 pounds. The Mountaineers would then drop three decisions in a row at 174 pounds, 184 pounds, and 197 pounds. Denzel Dejournette finished the night off with a major decision win over Chris Johnson. Appalachian improved to 3-6 in dual meets and will host a tri-meet versus Campbell and Binghamton at Varsity Gym on Sunday. Results: 125 - Dominic Parisi (APP) pinned Cameron Kelly (SIUE), 1:32 (6-0, App) 133 - Vito Pasone (APP) wins by technical fall Kenny Baldridge (SIUE), 16-0 (11-0, App) 141 - Mike Longo (APP) pinned Angelo Silvestro (SIUE), 4-2 SV1, 7:41 (17-0, App) 149 - Javon Johnson (APP) def. Karsten Van Velsor (SIUE), 9-2 (12-0, App) 157 - Zachary Strickland (APP) pinned Erik Travers (SIUE), 5:28 (26-0, App) 165 - Nick Kee (APP) maj dec. Connor McMahon (SIUE), 12-4 (30-0, App) 174 - Jake Residori (SIUE) def. Forrest Przybysz (APP), 7-4 (30-3, App) 184 - Derek Nagel (SIUE) def. Dominick Vetell (APP), 7-3 (30-6, App) 197 - Jake Tindle (SIUE) def. Tyler Radford (APP), 6-0 (30-9, App) 285 - Denzel Dejournette (APP) maj dec. Chris Johnson (SIUE), 10-1 (34-9, App)

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Another match, another rally as the Virginia Military Institute rebounded from an 18-7 deficit, winning the final five matches of the night to top visiting Sacred Heart University 26-18 in Cocke Hall Wednesday night in non-league action. VMI (3-3) rallied for a second match after topping Franklin & Marshall College 24-19 in the Keydets’ last match on Dec. 12. The Keydets had nearly a month off between action and took their home mat for the first time this season. Sacred Heart (0-5) picked up a surprise win at 125 pounds as Patrick Skinner pinned VMI’s Dalton Henderson at the tailend of the first period to take a 6-0 lead. But VMI took the lead for the first time after Hunter Starner and Emmitt Kelly logged a decision and major decision, respectively. Starner won his bout 9-4 over Tim Johnson while Kelly collected an 11-3 win over Jay Oakes at 141 pounds. But the Pioneers wrested the lead back from VMI as Brendan Goldup and Casey Mitchell won by fall at 149 and 157 pounds respectively. Down but not out, VMI would get a spark at 165 pounds from Shabaka Johns. The sophomore Keydet trailed 4-0 at the end of the first period before cutting John Vrasidas’ lead in half, 4-2, with a takedown. Johns gave up an escape early in the third period, trailing 5-2 before scoring a takedown with 52 seconds left. Vrasidas nabbed a 6-4 advantage with an escape with 44 seconds to go, but Johns snared a takedown in the final five seconds to force sudden victory. After the grapplers remained neutral for nearly the entire minute of extra time, Johns drove Vrasidas to the mat near the boundary line to earn the 8-6 victory. VMI continued its rally during the second-ever meeting with Sacred Heart as Mark Darr won 5-3 over Conan Schuster. After a scoreless first period, Darr escaped 14 seconds into the second stanza before being taken to the mat with just over a minute left in the period. No more points were scored in the second but Schuster was hit with two cautions, while Darr was tagged with one as well. The Keydet got hit with a second caution to start the third, meaning neither wrestler could jump early without surrendering a point to his opponent. Schuster escaped six seconds into the third, going up 3-1 on Darr, but the junior scored a takedown and two near fall points, which needed review to confirm, to secure a 5-3 win over Schuster and keep the Keydets’ hopes alive. The 184 pound bout was another nailbiter as Derek Thurman scored three points in the third period to squeak past Elliot Antler 4-3. Antler went up 2-1 in the first and extended his lead with an escape in the second. But Thurman chose bottom in the third, escaped 25 seconds in, trailing 3-2 but hitting a takedown with 11 seconds on the clock and riding out Antler for the win, pulling VMI within striking distance of the lead, down just 18-16. Sparked by his teammates close bouts, 197 pounder Urayoan Garcia vaulted VMI past Sacred Heart with an 11-3 major decision, thanks to over three minutes of riding time. The second period was good to Garcia, who scored six of his points in the middle stanza. With his riding time secured, Garcia logged a takedown with 50 seconds left to get the major decision over Sasha Oliinyk and four points on the board for VMI, taking the lead for the first time since the 141 pound match at 20-18. With the win not yet secured and Sacred Heart within a decision of stealing a win, VMI got a win by fall at 285 pounds as Juan Adams nearly pinned his foe, Dan Hayden in the first period, but the Pioneer stayed off his back to end the period. Adams did not require much time in the second, sticking Hayden 47 seconds into the second to secure the 26-18 win for VMI. After nearly a month off, VMI will need to recover quickly as the Keydets head to Washington, D.C. for a pair of duals on Sunday. VMI opens action in the capital with Harvard University at 11 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. dual with host American University. Both matches will be contested in the Eagles’ Bender Arena. Results: 125: Patrick Skinner (Sacred Heart) WBF Dalton Henderson (VMI) 2:48 (0-6) 133: Hunter Starner (VMI) DEC Timothy Johnson (Sacred Heart) 9-4 (3-6) 141: Emmitt Kelly (VMI) MAJ DEC Jay Oakes (Sacred Heart) 11-3 (7-6) 149: Brendan Goldup (Sacred Heart) WBF Jack Krall (VMI) 2:31 (7-12) 157: Casey Mitchell (Sacred Heart) WBF Samuel Paulay (VMI) 2:00 (7-18) 165: Shabaka Johns (VMI) DEC SV-1 John Vrasidas (Sacred Heart) 8-6 (10-18) 174: Mark Darr (VMI) DEC Conan Schuster (Sacred Heart) 5-3 (13-18) 184: Derek Thurman (VMI) DEC Elliot Antler (Sacred Heart) 4-3 (16-18) 197: Urayoan Garcia (VMI) MAJ DEC Sasha Oliinyk (Sacred Heart) 11-3 (20-18) 285: Juan Adams (VMI) WBF Dan Hayden (Sacred Heart) 3:47 (26-18)

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Duke redshirt sophomore Evan Botwin upset No. 17 Sam Speno in thrilling fashion at 141 pounds to lift the Blue Devils to a thrilling 18-17 victory over No. 22 NC State in ACC wrestling action this evening at Reynolds Coliseum. “That win was for the team,” said Botwin. “I wanted to beat him. I lost to him earlier and I knew it was going to come down to me when I saw the other two scores before me. Coach [Lanham] said before I went out ‘This is what little kids dream about’ and he’s right. I did that for the team.” Duke (5-1) got off to a fast start, winning each of the first three bouts for a 9-0 advantage and led by as many as 12, before NC State (7-3) roared back to take a 17-15 lead heading into the final match of the night. Trailing 15-3 with four bouts remaining, the Wolfpack picked up three straight wins with bonus points to grab its first lead of the night 17-15 heading into the heart-stopping performance from Duke’s Botwin. “This match was a gut check for everyone,” said head coach Glen Lanham. “Everybody wrestled hard. Win or lose. It was a gut check for our team. I’m going to give them off tomorrow and then we’re going to go back and focus and we have another ACC dual Sunday. Words can’t describe it. Coaches dream about moments like this. It keeps a coach going. I’m five years younger right now.” Speno, already owning a win on the year against Botwin, used a pair of early takedowns for a 4-1 advantage after the first period. Starting the second period on top, Botwin was able to get the tilt for 3 nearfall points to tie the match. The Chestnut Hill, Pa., native, confident in his ability on top, took a lead on a second stalling call and rode out the final four minutes of the match for the clinching victory. “After I got the tilt I wasn’t thinking anything, just next points and I have to get back on top and can’t give up any points. I knew it was close and I just drove him back flat. I saw everyone on their feet cheering and that gave me inspiration to do it for them.” Redshirt freshman Jake Faust joined Botwin in the exciting victories column, upsetting No. 15 Max Rohskopf in a 3-2 decision to cap Duke’s great start out of the gates. Redshirt seniors Marcus Cain and Immanuel Kerr-Brown garnered the first two wins of the night at 149 and 157 pounds, respectively. Faust, after a fantastic first period, scored on a reversal in the second period for the 2-0 lead. A locking hands penalty on Rohskopf gave Faust the 3-0 lead and the Bellville, Ohio native held off the fellow Ohioan for the victory to cap Duke’s great start out of the gates. Cain opened the dual at 149 pounds with a hard-fought 5-3 decision over Brian Hamann. Cain grabbed the lead in the first period and never relinquished it en route to his 11th win of the year. Kerr-Brown used a thrilling sequence in the second period to come away with a 4-3 decision. Trailing 3-0 midway through the second stanza, Kerr-Brown escaped and seconds later took down Chad Pyke. Kerr-Brown escaped seconds into the third period and held off Pyke’s shots in the closing 90 seconds for the win. The Blue Devils nearly took a 12-0 lead as redshirt junior Trey Adamson suffered a heart-breaking 6-5 decision to Pete Renda. After trailing 4-0 in the second period, Adamson rallied to take a 5-4 advantage with an escape and takedown late in the third period. However, a second stalling call against Adamson and an ensuing escape by Renda put the Wolfpack sophomore ahead for NC State’s first win of the night. Jacob Kasper gave the Blue Devils another three points to make it 12-3 with a 3-2 decision over Nicky Hall. The sophomore used a gutsy third period of riding to build his riding time to over a minute and give him his 16th win of the year and second career ACC victory. With Duke leading 12-3, All-American Conner Hartmann extended the Blue Devils’ lead to 12, with a 9-4 decision over Michael Boykin before NC State raced into the lead. Hartmann lead 6-2 in the third and looked like he might go for the major decision before Boykin made it interesting when he pulled within two, 6-4. The redshirt junior finished with a takedown in the final 15 seconds to come away with his fourth career ACC win. The Blue Devils continue their ACC schedule Sunday, Jan. 11 at the Pitt Duals. Duke will wrestle ACC foe Pittsburgh and non-conference opponents Eastern Michigan and Lock Haven. Results: 149: Marcus Cain (Duke) decision Brian Hamann (NCSU), 5-3 Duke 3, NC State 0 157: Immanuel Kerr-Brown (Duke) decision Chad Pyke (NCSU), 4-3 Duke 6, NC State 0 165: Jake Faust (Duke) decision No. 15 Max Rohskopf (NCSU), 3-2 Duke 9, NC State 0 174: Pete Renda (NCSU) decision Trey Adamson (Duke), 6-5 Duke 9, NC State 3 184: Jacob Kasper (Duke) decision Nicky Hall (NCSU), 3-2 Duke 12, NC State 3 197: No. 5 Conner Hartmann (Duke) decision Michael Boykin (NCSU), 9-4 Duke 15, NC State 3 285: No. 3 Nick Gwiazdowski (NCSU) fall Brendan Walsh (Duke), 1:08 Duke 15, NC State 9 125: Joe DeAngelo (NCSU) major dec. Thayer Atkins (Duke), 14-4 Duke 15, NC State 13 133: Bryce Meredith (NCSU) major dec. Bailey Jack (Duke), 12-1 Duke 15, NC State 17 141: Evan Botwin (Duke) decision No. 17 Sam Speno (NCSU), 6-4 Duke 18, NC State 17

Two-time NCAA champ at Iowa State. Two national freestyle titles. A college coaching career that spans more than four decades. An entrepreneur who has developed unique products to help make wrestlers -- and the sport -- better. All of these describe Carl Adams, who, until this past March, was the long-time head wrestling coach at Boston University. Now Adams shares his life story -- and his secrets to help anyone find success in any endeavor -- in his new book "Think It, Believe It. Do It." Part memoir but mostly a guidebook for readers to achieve their own brand of success, Adams shares his inspiring stories of how he overcame the odds to achieve greatness, offering ideas and guidance that readers will find motivational and practicable. Meet Carl Adams Carl AdamsThe son of migrant workers, Carl Adams and his family settled on Long Island when the future mat champ/coach was in second grade. After winning a New York State title in high school, Adams headed west to Iowa State, to wrestle for legendary coach Harold Nichols, and count among his teammates Dan Gable. As a Cyclone, Adams was a two-time NCAA champ (weights, years). Upon graduating from college, Adams launched his 41-year coaching career at age 22 as an assistant at Iowa State ... then became a head coach at 27. He recently completed 36 years at the helm at Boston University, which eliminated its wrestling program effective at the end of the 2013-14 season. Over the years, Adams became an author, creator of instructional videos, and developer and entrepreneur of game-changing workout equipment such as the ADAM takedown machine. How did his latest book -- "Think It. Believe It. Do It." -- come about? "I outlined the book about three years ago," Adams told InterMat. "When the (BU wrestling) program got cut, I had time on my hands. From April through August, I had nothing on my plate, so it seemed to be a great time to bring the book to life." "I wanted to write a book that's motivational, about how much potential each of us has," Adams continued. "I talked about my mentors -- my parents and coaches. I had a great high school coach, and a wonderful college experience." An entrepreneur is born "If you stayed involved in coaching -- at least back when I got started, in the 1970s -- it was difficult to raise a family. However, belief in using my wrestling background helped me to realize the ADAM takedown machine." "That process showed me the importance of things like solving one problem at a time, sticking with something until completion. That mindset helps individuals with any endeavor, whether it's coaching or business." "I saw Coach Nichols put together successful wrestling camps," said Adams, who worked a number of his Iowa State coach's summer camps. "I thought I could do something similar." "As I started to write this book, it occurred to me that there things I did in the sport of wrestling that would be applicable to readers outside wrestling," said Adams. "Take the Seven Pillars of Winning (described in the book). I put it in terms of what worked for me, yet is information that can work for others." "We all need to do things to make ends meet, put our kids through college, purchase a home, etc." Adams continued. "I wanted to let folks know you don't need a ton of money to start a business. In fact, I did it without debt, without loans. If you believe what you want to do, and stay with your task, you can achieve great things." Carl Adams was a two-time NCAA champ at ISU"It's not just about the product. It's about getting it to market. And it's about having the right mindset. You have to set your mind to achieve greatness." "People set goals but don't always think of how to achieve things," according to Adams. "Commitment is a word that's all-important. Take wrestling. It takes so much to be successful in the sport. Commitment to your goals." "I wanted the book to be for anyone -- not just those in the wrestling community -- who wants to succeed." "Everything starts with the mindset. Knowing that you can achieve anything with the right mindset drives everything. If people have that mindset, they can figure things out, and get things done." "This is my fourth book," said Adams. "The other three are instructionals. All my products -- books, equipment, instructional videos -- are designed to help people do better." "I've been so blessed. I want to share those blessings -- and what I've learned from wrestling, and as an entrepreneur -- to do what I can to help others. I feel I should pass along what I've learned." Guided by great mentors Carl Adams with Ben Peterson and Harold NicholsDuring the course of this interview, Carl Adams cited a number of individuals who served as mentors to help him develop as a professional and as an individual, starting with his college coach, Harold Nichols. "Nick was like a second father to me. He hired me for his equipment business, to work his (wrestling) camps. I learned the business from Nick." "He was very much an entrepreneur -- his wrestling camps, real estate, even his pottery collection." "I showed him the drawings for ADAM, and he backed me financially." "My dad worked the s--- out of us," Adams chuckled. "He put us to work in the businesses he started and ran. That, and my experience working with Coach Nichols, really shaped me and my entrepreneurial attitude." Adams' list of mentors didn't stop there. "When I was 23, I wrote my first book, because I had seen Bobby Douglas writing books." "I was blessed to have been on the (Iowa State) team with Gable," Adams added. "To watch him was to learn how to win." A new book ... and a new position at BU As if writing and promoting a new book weren't enough, Adams still has a career position ... at the school where he had coached for three-and-a-half decades. "BU offered me a new position, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Services. Coaches have me talk to their athletes, as well as to their recruits. I have the same office, the same desk, the same computer. The only thing that has really changed is that I'm no longer coaching." "I don't feel empty at all," Adams continued. "I feel I gave all to wrestling. My angst is for the alumni, wrestlers and parents, now that BU no longer has a wrestling program." When asked to sum up the purpose of "Think It. Believe It. Do It", Adams said, "It's a book about getting things done. Eliminating the fear of failure. Being persistent, being committed. You have to keep pecking away at a problem. In time, you will get to the solution." Not everyone will have the opportunity to pick the brain of Carl Adams, a man who has achieved so much as a wrestler, coach and business professional who has shared his experience and expertise in the sport with the wrestling community. "Think It. Believe It. Do It" is about as close as most of us will come to that opportunity to have Adams as a mentor. Using his own life and experiences as the foundation, Adams builds on those cornerstones to share what has worked for him, in an upbeat, positive presentation that can inspire anyone who wants to achieve more. You don't have to be a wrestler or coach -- or even a fan of the sport -- to gain from "Think It. Believe It. Do It." It has practical, actionable guidance that can help any would-be entrepreneur. Carl Adams' "Think It. Believe It. Do It" is available in e-book format for the Amazon Kindle, as well as in paperback from CarlAdams.com.

Christmas and the New Year have come and gone, many of the big bracket tournaments are done, though some remain in the regular season. The dual meet season has begun in earnest. Here is what is ahead for each team during the upcoming week. No. 1 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. -- dual met vs. Glenbard West, Ill. on Thursday; triangular meet on Saturday at No. 18 Marmion Academy, Ill. with No. 9 Montini Catholic, Ill. No. 2 St. Paris Graham, Ohio -- dual meet vs. Mason, Ohio on Thursday; travel to Valley View (Ohio) Invitational on Saturday No. 3 Blair Academy, N.J. -- travel to Geary (Okla.) Invitational on Friday and Saturday No. 4 Clovis, Calif. -- host Doc Buchanan Invitational on Friday and Saturday; dual meet vs. Clovis East, Calif. on Tuesday 1/13 No. 5 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. -- travel to Eastern States Invitational at SUNY-Sullivan (Loch Sheldrake, N.Y.) on Friday and Saturday No. 6 Buchanan, Calif. -- travel to Clovis, Calif. for the Doc Buchanan Invitational on Friday and Saturday No. 7 Franklin Regional, Pa. -- dual meet at McKeesport, Pa. on Wednesday; host Westmoreland County Coaches Association Tournament on Friday and Saturday No. 8 Southeast Polk, Iowa -- triangular meet at Des Moines (Iowa) North with Hoover Co-op on Thursday No. 9 Archer, Ga. -- participate in state dual meet series on Saturday, area championships No. 10 Broken Arrow, Okla. -- quad meet on Thursday at Putnam City, Okla. with Edmond Memorial and Enid; travel to Geary (Okla.) Invitational on Friday and Saturday No. 11 Bergen Catholic, N.J. -- travel to Clovis, Calif. for the Doc Buchanan Invitational on Friday and Saturday; host St. John Vianney, N.J. in dual meet on Tuesday 1/13 No. 12 Stillwater, Okla. -- triangular meet on Thursday at Sand Springs, Okla. with Booker T. Washington; travel to Geary (Okla.) Invitational on Friday and Saturday; dual meet vs. Cushing, Okla. on Tuesday 1/13 No. 13 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. -- dual meet at Parkland, Pa. tonight (1/7); dual meet at Easton, Pa. on Friday; dual meet vs. Stroudsburg, Pa. on Saturday No. 14 Poway, Calif. -- dual meet vs. Canyon Crest on Thursday No. 15 Lowell, Mich. -- dual met at East Grand Rapids, Mich. tonight (1/7); travel to Great Lakes Championships in Fort Wayne, Ind. on Saturday No. 16 Carl Sandburg, Ill. -- dual meet vs. Rockford Stagg, Ill. on Friday; dual meet at Glenbard North, Ill. on Saturday No. 17 St. Edward, Ohio -- travel to Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.) Super Duals on Saturday No. 18 Apple Valley, Minn. -- dual meet vs. Rosemount, Minn. on Friday; travel to Burnsville (Minn.) Invitanional on Saturday No. 19 Montini Catholic, Ill. -- dual meet at Marist, Ill. on Friday; triangular meet at No. 18 Marmion Academy, Ill. with No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. on Saturday No. 20 Neosho, Mo. -- triangular meet on Thursday at Ozark, Mo. with Nixa, Mo.; host triangular meet on Friday against Westminster Christian, Mo. and Monett, Mo.; triangular meet on Tuesday 1/13 at Republic, Mo. with Camdenton, Mo. No. 21 Massillon Perry, Ohio -- dual meet vs. North Canton Hoover, Ohio on Thursday No. 22 Tuttle, Okla. -- dual meet vs. Altus, Okla. on Thursday; travel to Geary (Okla.) Invitational on Friday and Saturday; quad meet on Tuesday 1/13 at Lawton McArthur, Okla. with Yukon, Okla. and Westmoore, Okla. No. 23 Bettendorf, Iowa -- dual meet vs. Pleasant Valley, Iowa on Thursday No. 24 Bound Brook, N.J. -- dual meet against Hunterdon Central, N.J. tonight (1/7); compete in Somerset County Tournament on Saturday No. 25 St. Michael-Albertville, Minn. -- dual meet at Big Lake, Minn. on Thursday; travel to Kiffmeyer Duals at St. Cloud Tech, Minn. on Saturday No. 26 Marmion Academy, Ill. -- host triangular meet on Saturday against No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. and No. 9 Montini Catholic, Ill. No. 27 Bakersfield, Calif. -- travel to Clovis, Calif. for Doc Buchanan Invitational on Friday and Saturday No. 28 Glenbard North, Ill. -- home dual meet on Friday, dual meet vs. No. 16 Carl Sandburg, Ill. on Saturday No. 29 Evansville Mater Dei, Ind. -- dual meet vs. Evansville Central, Ind. on Thursday; travel to St. Louis, Mo. for the Gateway to the Best Tournament on Saturday No. 30 Don Bosco Prep, N.J. -- travel to Hampton, Va. for the Virginia Duals (National Division) on Friday and Saturday No. 31 Crook County, Ore. -- travel to Dallas (Ore.) Tournament on Saturday No. 32 Delta, Ohio -- triangular meet on Thursday at Swanton, Ohio with Patrick Henry, Ohio; travel to Perrysburg (Ohio) Invitational Tournament on Friday and Saturday No. 33 Mesa Mountain View, Ariz. -- dual meet vs. Mesquite, Ariz. on Thursday No. 34 Belle Vernon, Pa. -- travel to Franklin Regional, Pa. for the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Tournament on Friday and Saturday No. 35 South Dade, Fla. -- dual meet vs. Palmetto, Fla. tonight (1/7); travel to Flagler (Fla.) Rotary Tournament on Friday and Saturday No. 36 Greater Latrobe, Pa. -- dual meet at Hempfield Area, Pa. tonight (1/7); travel to Franklin Regional, Pa. for Westmoreland County Coaches Association Tournament on Friday and Saturday No. 37 St. Peter’s Prep, N.J. -- dual meet vs. Wall Township, N.J. on Thursday; quad meet at Jackson Memorial, N.J. on Saturday; dual meet vs. Summit, N.J. on Monday 1/12; dual meet vs. Bayonne, N.J. on Turesday 1/13 No. 38 Brecksville, Ohio -- host triangular vs. Amherst, Ohio and Avon Lake, Ohio on Thursday; travel to Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.) Super Duals on Saturday No. 39 Phillipsburg, N.J. -- dual meet vs. Kittatinny, N.J. tonight (1/7); travel to Hoptacong, N.J. for H-W-S Tournament on Friday and Saturday No. 40 Kaukauna, Wis. -- dual meet at Fond du Lac, Wis. on Thursday No. 41 Elyria, Ohio -- triangular meet on Thursday at Strongsville, Ohio with Mayfield, Ohio No. 42 McDonogh, Md. -- dual meet vs. Loyola, Md. tonight (1/7); travel to Hampton, Va. for the Virginia Duals (National Division) on Friday and Saturday No. 43 DePaul Catholic, N.J. -- dual meet at Eastside, N.J. on Saturday No. 44 Brighton, Mich. -- double dual at Grand Blanch, Mich. tonight (1/7) against Churchill and Franklin; travel to Great Lakes Championships in Fort Wayne, Ind. on Saturday No. 45 Dayton Christian, Ohio -- travel to Army National Guard Duals (Summerville Arena, W.Va.) No. 46 Delbarton, N.J. -- multiple dual meets on Saturday; dual meet at Morristown, N.J. on Tuesday (1/13) No. 47 St. Johns, Mich. -- dual meet vs. Mason, Mich. tonight (1/7); travel to Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.) Super Duals on Saturday No. 48 Cumberland Valley, Pa. -- dual meet against Boiling Springs tonight (1/7); dual meet against Central Dauphin East on Thursday No. 49 Post Falls, Idaho -- host multiple team dual meet event on Thursday; host River City Duals on Friday and Saturday No. 50 Brandon, Fla. -- travel to Manatee (Fla.) Duals on Friday and Saturday

So much has happened in the high school wrestling world over the last couple of weeks since we last were together with a High School Lowe Down column. That said, the biggest development and debate has to be over who the No. 1 team in the country is. Keeping it simple here, based on the rankings of 12-24-14; No. 1 St. Paris Graham (Ohio) went to No. 3 Blair Academy (N.J.) and fell to a 27-24 defeat, as the host Buccaneers took home victories in eight weight classes. Seeing the No. 1 team in the country lose certainly opens up the rankings for a debate. Not just between the incumbent No. 1 and the team that beat the No. 1, but also the current No. 2 (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.). Keep in mind the mission of the Fab 50 national team rankings. The intent is to use retrospective data, results from tournaments and dual meets, to assess how teams look prospectively (i.e. going forward). Three further points: (1) the rankings have to account for both dual meet and tournament performance potential (2) the rankings should reflect how each team can perform with their best personnel that will be available to them going forward (3) the rankings should also reflect the body of work each team has amassed during the season-to-date. Let's analyze the lineup for each team in question, based on their results to date: 106: Both OPRF and Graham have a wrestler that is superior to the wrestler which Blair possesses. Anthony Madrigal (OPRF) is ranked around 15th nationally, and Justin Stickley (Graham) falls outside the national rankings; while Matthew Vinci (Blair) would not be part of any rankings conversation. 113: All three teams have a nationally ranked wrestler. Jason Renteria (OPRF) is ranked inside the top five, Mitch Moore (Graham) is inside the top ten, and Zach Sherman (Blair) fits in the back part of the rankings. At the Ironman, Moore was the champion with a 6-1 win over Renteria in the final; however, at the Super 32, Moore went 2-2 in matches against nationally ranked wrestlers -- wins over Rivera and Cray, losses to Vega and Baughman. One of the obvious reasons we are going through this intellectual exercise is that Sherman upset Moore 4-2 in the dual meet. During this season, Sherman finished eighth at the Ironman going 1-3 against nationally ranked wrestlers (split matches with Mattox, lost to Brown, and lost to Hoskins); he then finished fourth at the Beast, losing to nationally ranked Paetzell and un-ranked Alec Kelly. Renteria was undefeated at The Clash and runner-up at Ironman, and beat fellow top five ranked wrestler Gomez at the Preseason Nationals. 120: All three teams have relatively similar wrestlers, though the nationally ranked wrestlers are on the roster of OPRF (Alex Madrigal) and Graham (Eli Stickley); Requir van der Merwe (Blair) is not nationally ranked. It is interesting that over the last two seasons, Stickley placed both years at the Ironman (3rd/2nd), van der Merwe failed to place, and yet van der Merwe beat Stickley both years in the dual meet. This seems to be a matchup specific thing, as peripheral performances by each wrestler (i.e. Stickley at Super 32 and van der Merwe at the Beast in each year) also suggest Stickley to be the superior wrestler. Madrigal has made extreme growth as a wrestler over the last year, turning from a varsity debutant to a nationally ranked wrestler (placed 6th at Ironman, undefeated at The Clash). 126: Both Graham and OPRF have a wrestler that is superior to the wrestler which Blair possesses. Eli Seipel (Graham) is ranked around 15th nationally, and Gabe Townsell (OPRF) is just outside the rankings; while the Blair starter, whether it's Andrew Merola or Andrew Monohan would not be part of any rankings conversation. 132: Both Blair and Graham have a wrestler that is superior to the wrestler which OPRF possesses. Charles Tucker (Blair) is ranked inside the top ten, Rocky Jordan (Graham) is just outside the top ten, while Jamie Hernandez (OPRF) would not be part of any rankings conversation. Jordan beat Tucker at the Ironman by 6-4 decision, but Tucker has the greater resume. In the dual meet, Tucker did not wrestler, and Jordan upended Monahan by 7-2 decision. 138: Matthew Kolodzik (Blair) is a top five national wrestler at the weight class, and is better than the wrestler that either Graham or OPRF possess. Graham brings to the table freshman Ryan Thomas, who is very talented but was majored by Kolodzik in the dual meet; while OPRF has Savonne Bennette, a senior and returning state qualifier. 145: Larry Early (OPRF) is a top five national wrestler at the weight class, and is better than the wrestler that either Graham or Blair possesses. Early was out of the OPRF lineup at the Walsh Ironman, and returned to the lineup at The Clash; his backup was 2-2 at the Ironman, making the second day, but that's a major downgrade from a likely weight class runner-up. Brent Moore (Graham) and Michael Monica (Blair) have split matches this season. Moore won at the Ironman on the way to placing fourth, while Monica was a match short of placing; Monica flipped the outcome in the dual meet, winning a 7-3 decision that is probably more reflective of the head-on matchup. 152: All three teams have a nationally elite wrestler at the weight class. Isaiah White (OPRF) and Jordan Kutler (Blair) are inside the top five, while Kyle Lawson (Graham) is inside the top fifteen. White won the Ironman, including a 3-1 win over Lawson in the quarterfinal; while Kutler was third at the Ironman, but earned an 8-2 win over Lawson in the dual meet. Lawson placed seventh at the Ironman. 160: Alex Marinelli (Graham) is ranked first in the nation at present in this weight class, and upended former Blair wrestler Mason Manville 3-1 in overtime in the Ironman final. Marinelli beat the new Blair starter, Brandon Dallavia, by 14-7 decision in the dual meet. Dallavia placed third in the 170 pound weight class at the Ironman, and is ranked around fifth nationally in his new weight class. OPRF has natonally ranked Matthew Rundell in this weight class, who is ranked between 15th and 20th at the present time. 170: Kamal Bey (OPRF) is clearly ahead of the starter that either Graham or Blair possesses. Bey is ranked within the top ten, after finishing second at the Ironman; while Garrett Jordan (6th at the Ironman) and Peter Bearse (8th at the Beast down at 160) do not fit into a national rankings conversation. Jordan squeezing out a placement finish at the Ironman was key to Graham's finish; however, that one placement is one of the least sustainable aspects of the Ironman performance (more consistently is a match or two short of placement). The replacement for Dallavia in the Blair lineup (Dallavia swaps into Manville's slot) is Bearse. This trade of Bearse for Dallavia is the mirror of OPRF getting Early and taking out their backup at 145, i.e. a 20 point swing. In the dual meet on Saturday, Jordan beat Bearse by 5-2 decision. 182: Chase Singletary (Blair) is a nationally ranked wrestler, presently inside the top 15, while the options for OPRF (Max Metzger) or Graham (Hayden Bronne) are not close to that. Singletary earned a win by fall over Metzger at the Ironman, and a match with Bronne would be similar bonus points, though Blair bumped Singletary up to 195 in the dual meet. A hypothetical bout between Metzger and Bronne would be a toss-up. 195: This weight class is the one of two where the teams are relatively weak, again it's a relative thing. Blair Academy and OPRF wrestlers placed at the Ironman, while the Graham wrestler went 1-2. Neil Putnam (Blair) upended Ben Bergen (OPRF) by 5-2 decision for seventh place, while Kanan Sarver did not place. In the dual meet, Putnam went up a weight class to 220 and secured a major; while Sarver lost 7-1 to Singletary. 220: Blair Academy has the best wrestler of the three in this weight class, obviously, with David Showunmi. The Ironman champion and Junior National freestyle All-American is ranked around tenth nationally. Oak Park River Forest was missing state qualifier Allen Stallings at the Ironman, who would have done anything from win multiple matches to low place. Graham now has returning state placer Josh Couchman, who is up one weight from ideal, and made his debut this past weekend in getting majored by Putnam 12-3. 285: In both bracketed tournaments this year Blair has not entered a 285 pound wrestler, for dual meets they have shifted the lineup to slide Showunmi here. While Jordan over-achieved for Graham at 170 in the Ironman, Adam Lemke-Bell under-achieved in this weight for OPRF, getting pinned twice and exiting the tournament without a win. In competition the week before, Lemke-Bell upended a returning Illinois state placer. The Graham wrestler in this weight class (Dylan Nave) is a relative non-factor. In dissecting the three rosters, I reach the conclusion that Oak Park River Forest has the most complete team, and should be ranked No. 1 in the nation. They have talented wrestlers in all fourteen weight classes, and can thrive in both a tournament and dual meet setting. A full-strength OPRF lineup scores right around 200 points, if not a few more, at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman. In the two opening dual meets at The Clash, Oak Park River Forest went 12-2 matches with Pleasant Valley (Iowa) and 11-3 with Simley (Minn.); if not for using back-up wrestlers, those dual meets are 14-0 and 13-1 respectively. Then, the day one bracket final against nationally ranked Shakopee (Minn.) was 12-2 in matches, though it would likely have been 14-0 but for using back-up wrestlers. The day two championship pool was domination more the same. The Huskies went 12-2 in matches with nationally ranked Bettendorf (Iowa) and Carl Sandburg (Ill.), and went 9-5 with Apple Valley (Minn.), likely 10-4 if using Rundell at 160. The debate for me is more about St. Paris Graham and Blair Academy. In the bracketed tournament format of the Walsh Ironman, St. Paris Graham scored over 200 points, though for analytical purposes one can peg it at 200; while Blair Academy would have been looking at about 170 points with Manville out of the lineup. While breaking down the dual meet is a little more art than science, since Blair Academy wrestled pretty close to a "base lineup", it hinged on three key outcomes -- all of which went in favor of Blair: the upset at 113, the matchup-specific favorable outcome at 120, and the tossup at 145. That said, Blair Academy did lose the chance to earn a victory at 132 with Tucker out of the lineup. In conclusion, Graham is the better bracketed tournament team, while Blair Academy might be the better dual meet team. In making this week's determination that Graham should be No. 2, and Blair Academy No. 3, it is my judgment that a hypothetical Graham/OPRF dual meet is more likely to be competitive than a Blair/OPRF dual meet. However, should Blair Academy have a "clean" remainder of the season, they will likely end up No. 2 over St. Paris Graham, as the in-season resume will be much greater. Notable remaining events for each team: OPRF: -Dual meets against nationally ranked Montini Catholic (Ill.) and Marmion Academy (Ill.) on Saturday -Dual meets against nationally ranked Carl Sandburg (Ill.) and Clovis (Calif.) next Saturday -host Huskie Invitational two weeks from Saturday -individual bracket and dual meet state tournament Graham: -Dual meet against nationally ranked St. Edward (Ohio) next Saturday -individual bracket and dual meet state tournament Blair Academy: -Geary (Okla.) Invitational this weekend -Garden State Duals next Saturday, likely to face a nationally ranked team in there -Dual meet at St. Edward (Ohio) two weeks from Saturday -Dual meets against Bergen Catholic (N.J.), Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), and Bound Brook (N.J.) the following Saturday -National Prep Championships

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The Bucknell wrestling team continued its recent hot streak on Sunday as it traveled to Michigan State and defeated the Spartans 25-12. It was the fourth straight win for the Bison, who are ranked 25th nationally. Bucknell (4-1), which has won four straight matches for the first time since late in the 2009-10 season, won for the first time in three tries in the short series with Michigan State (3-5). The difference was bonus points as four of the Bison’s six individual victories were by major decision, tech fall or fall. No. 16 Paul Petrov got the match started well for Bucknell at 125 pounds as he pinned Mitch Rogaliner is just 19 seconds. After a one-point decision by Hermilo Esquivel over Grim Gonzalez at 133 cut the Bison lead in half, Bucknell reeled off three straight victories. Tyler Smith returned to the lineup with a 9-1 major at 141, while Victor Lopez pitched a 2-0 shutout at 149. Rustin Barrick followed with a 12-3 major decision at 157 to stake Bucknell to a 17-3 advantage. The Spartans could only draw as close as five points (17-12) after three consecutive decisions at 165, 174 and 184. A win by 5-2 decision at 197 by Tyler Lyster over Nick McDiarmid clinched the match for the Bison, who defeated a member of the Big Ten for the first time since the program was reinstated prior to the 2006-07 season. Nationally ranked Joe Stolfi finished the match off with a win for Bucknell, posting a dominating 15-0 tech fall at 285 pounds. It was his team-high 20th victory of the season and he is 5-0 in duals this year. The Bison will have a short break before taking part in the Virginia Duals in Hampton, Virginia, this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9-10. Results: 125: No. 16 Paul Petrov (BU) pinned Mitch Rogaliner (MSU), 0:19. BU leads, 6-0 133: Hermilo Esquivel (MSU) dec. Grim Gonzalez (BU), 4-3. BU leads, 6-3 141: Tyler Smith (BU) major dec. Garth Yenter (MSU), 9-1. BU leads, 10-3 149: Victor Lopez (BU) dec. Nick Trimble (MSU), 2-0. BU leads, 13-3 157: Rustin Barrick (BU) major dec. Roger Wildmo (MSU), 12-3. BU leads, 17-3 165: Ryan Watts (MSU) dec. Robert Schlitt (BU), 8-3. BU leads, 17-6 174: Nick Proctor (MSU) dec. Rory Bonner (BU), 4-2. BU leads, 17-9 184: John Rizqallah (MSU) dec. Tom Sleigh (BU), 3-2. BU leads, 17-12 197: Tyler Lyster (BU) dec. Nick McDiarmid (MSU), 5-2. BU leads, 20-12 HWT: No. 19 Joe Stolfi (BU) tech. fall Luke Jones (MSU), 15-0 (4:49). BU wins, 25-12

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- UNI grabbed its first MAC win of the dual season, beating Eastern Michigan, 24-15. The Panthers grabbed seven of the 10 matches. “It’s a win, but there’s a lot to work on,” said head coach Doug Schwab. “But those things can be corrected and they will be for next week.” UNI got off to a quick lead with a forfeit at 125 pounds. EMU bounced back with two second-period falls. It was Gunnar Wolfensperger who got the spark going for UNI at 149 pounds. His decision win narrowed EMU’s lead, 12-9. Jarrett Jensen tied up the team score when he took down the MAC’s No. 4 Brandon Zeerip in a 3-1 decision and was just seconds shy of earning riding time. Cooper Moore regained the Panthers’ lead with an 8-4 decision over EMU’s Devan Marry. Curt Maas kept the Panthers rolling by dominating with a series of takedowns early in the 174-pound match. He went on to win 10-5 over Austin Geerlings. At 184 pounds, Cody Caldwell jumped out to a fast start with a takedown and nearfall points and 2 minutes, 50 seconds in riding time. He went on to win 9-4 with 3:11 in riding time. Cody Krumwiede entered the UNI dual lineup for the first time this season. He fell 10-4, and Anthony Abro earned 1:04 in riding time. UNI continued to lead 21-15. Blaize Cabell secured the team win with a 9-3 decision over Gage Hutchinson. “It’s not just going to happen over night, but guys are showing more fight,” said Cabell. UP NEXT This was the start of a home stretch for UNI wrestling. The Panthers host Northern Illinois 7 p.m. Jan. 9 for Defeat Dementia / Keith Young Night. Keith Young was a three-time All-American for UNI from 1949-51. Fans are asked to wear purple. UNI will return 2 p.m. Jan. 10 to host Buffalo. The first 500 fans will receive T-shirts from Hy-Vee. Results: 125 – Dylan Peters (UNI) wins by forfeit 133 – Vincent Pizzuto (EMU) pinned Leighton Gaul (UNI) 3:43 141 – Michael Shaw (EMU) pinned Jesse Etherington (UNI) 3:59 149 – Gunnar Wolfensperger (UNI) dec. Nicholas Barber (EMU) 8-4 157 – Jarrett Jensen (UNI) dec. Brandon Zeerip (EMU) 3-1 165 – Cooper Moore (UNI) dec. Devan Marry (EMU) 8-5 174 – Curt Maas (UNI) dec. Austin Geerlings (EMU) 10-5 184 – Cody Caldwell (UNI) dec. Mike Curby (EMU) 9-4 197 – Anthony Abro (EMU) dec. Cody Krumwiede (UNI) 10-4 285 – Blaize Cabell (UNI) dec. Gage Hutchinson (EMU) 9-3

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The top-ranked University of Iowa wrestling team won four straight matches to erase a 14-6 deficit and defeat No. 7 Ohio State, 18-14, on Sunday afternoon in front of 6,558 fans at St. John Arena. "It came down to the wire and it came down to us or them," said UI head coach Tom Brands. "We won six, but they had a guy score big bonus points. We want to score points the entire match. We want to put points on the board." The Hawkeyes were quiet through the first three and two-thirds matches. Thomas Gilman used an escape in the first tiebreak to defeat ninth-ranked Nathan Tomasello, 2-1, at 125, but Cory Clark ran out of time in a 7-5 loss at 133, and Josh Dziewa was blanked, 15-0, at 141. Brandon Sorensen didn't fare much better through two periods at 149, but the redshirt freshman scored three takedowns in the final frame to erase a 5-2 deficit and defeat All-American Hunter Stieber, 9-7. "I kept going to my attacks and I kept coming after him," said Sorensen. "In the first period I needed to finish through shots and score, but in the third period I did finish and I kept coming. I kept coming and that was the difference." Michael Kelly forced the action throughout the match, at 157, but he lost a leg in the third period and gave up a takedown as time expired, falling 5-2 and giving Ohio State an 11-6 lead at intermission. The Buckeyes then grabbed their largest lead of the afternoon when No. 9 Bo Jordan defeated No. 7 Nick Moore, 9-2. Trailing 14-6, Iowa's final four went to work. Evans chipped into the Ohio State lead in a match emblematic of the dual. He started slow, allowing a takedown in the opening period, but he scored the final five points, a takedown in the second and a reversal in the third to win, 5-2. Sammy Brooks then cut the lead to 14-12, recording Iowa's only first-period takedown of the dual and holding on for a 3-2 win. Iowa grabbed the lead for good when Burak shed his redshirt and defeated seventh-ranked Kyle Snyder, 2-1, at 197. The match was scoreless after one period, but Snyder needed injury time between periods allowing Burak to start on bottom. Snyder piled up over a minute of riding time in the second, but Burak escaped to grab a 1-0 lead. Snyder started neutral and awarded Burak an escape to start the third, but the wrestlers went another two minutes without scoring and Burak held on for the decision. "I'm not happy with the how I wrestled," said Burak. "I'm glad I got the victory. I've lost to him before so it kind of got a monkey off my back, but I didn't wrestle how I know I can wrestle." Iowa led 15-14 when third-ranked Bobby Telford sealed the comeback with a 4-0 decision against tenth-ranked Nick Tavenello at 285. "This team better score some first period takedowns," said Brands. "If you look at where we are and what our ability is, and what I know it is, and what 6,000 people saw... they didn't see a team that attacks very well in the first period. We need to do that. That is going to be the difference." Iowa (7-0, 3-0) concluded a seven-day road trip with a Midlands team title, four individual Midlands champions, and a 2-0 mark in Big Ten duals. The Hawkeyes return to action Jan. 11 at Oklahoma State. The dual begins at 2 p.m. (CT). NOTES -- Attendance was 6,558... Burak made his season debut wrestling attached... Clark's loss was his first of the season, and his first career loss in Big Ten duals... All-Americans Burak (10-0), Evans (16-0) and Telford (16-0) are undefeated on the season. Results: 125 -- #4 Thomas Gilman (IOWA) dec. #8 Nathan Tomasello (OSU), 2-1 TB1; 3-0 133 -- #9 Johnni DiJulius (OSU) dec. #4 Cory Clark (IOWA), 7-5; 3-3 141 -- #1 Logan Stieber (OSU) tech. fall #6 Josh Dziewa (IOWA), 15-0; 3-8 149 -- #10 Brandon Sorensen (IOWA) dec. #5 Hunter Stieber (OSU), 9-7; 6-8 157 -- #6 Josh Demas (OSU) dec. Michael Kelly (IOWA), 5-2; 6-11 165 -- #9 Bo Jordan (OSU) dec. #7 Nick Moore (IOWA), 9-2; 6-14 174 -- #3 Mike Evans (IOWA) dec. #12 Mark Martin (OSU), 5-2; 9-12 184 -- #8 Sammy Brooks (IOWA) dec. #12 Kenny Courts (OSU), 3-2; 12-14 197 -- #6 Nathan Burak (IOWA) dec. #7 Kyle Snyder (OSU), 2-1; 15-14 285 -- #3 Bobby Telford (IOWA) dec. #10 Nick Tavanello (OSU), 4-0; 18-14

Iowa 18, Ohio State 14 125: No. 4 Thomas Gilman (Iowa) dec. No. 8 Nathan Tomasello (Ohio State), 2-1TB 133: No. 9 Johnni DiJulius (Ohio State) dec. No. 4 Cory Clark (Iowa), 7-5 141: No. 1 Logan Stieber (Ohio State) tech. fall No. 6 Josh Dziewa (Iowa), 15-0, 4:37 149: No. 10 Brandon Sorensen (Iowa) dec. No. 5 Hunter Stieber (Ohio State), 9-7 157: No. 6 Josh Demas (Ohio State) dec. Mike Kelly (Iowa), 5-2 165: No. 9 Bo Jordan (Ohio State) dec No. 7 Nick Moore (Iowa), 9-2 174: No. 2 Mike Evans (Iowa) dec. No. 12 Mark Martin (Ohio State), 5-2 184: No. 8 Sam Brooks (Iowa) dec. No. 12 Kenny Courts (Ohio State), 3-2 197: No. 6 Nathan Burak (Iowa) dec. No. 7 Kyle Snyder (Ohio State), 2-1 285: No. 3 Bobby Telford (Iowa) dec. No. 10 Nick Tavanello (Ohio State), 4-0 Live Blog Iowa at Ohio State

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- Senior All-Americans Robert Kokesh (174) and James Green (157) each captured weight class titles at the Defense Soap and Flips Wrestling Southern Scuffle at McKenzie Arena on Friday. The Huskers finished fourth as a team with 116 points. Four-time defending national champion Penn State took home the team title with 165 points, while Missouri (150) and Oklahoma State (135.5) also notched top-three finishes. Kokesh, the top-ranked wrestler at 174 pounds, completed his tournament run with a 3-2 decision over No. 4 Matt Brown of Penn State in the finals. Over the course of the Southern Scuffle, Kokesh collected three pins and one major decision. He improves to 21-0 on the season and wins his third tournament title. Green, the No. 1 seed at 157 pounds, took down Jason Nolf of Penn State in the finals by a 7-4 margin. Green’s performance at the tournament included one pin and two major decisions over the span of five matches. He is now 18-1 this season and wins his second tournament title of the 2014-15 campaign. No. 20 Anthony Abidin took third place at 141 pounds after a 6-1 showing during the two-day event. No. 17 Tim Lambert placed fifth with a 6-2 record at the Southern Scuffle. Unattached wrestler Tyler Berger (149) earned a sixth-place finish at the tournament, while 184-pounder TJ Dudley finished eighth. Eric Montoya (133), Justin Arthur (149), Austin Wilson (165), Aaron Studebaker (184), Spencer Johnson (197), Micah Barnes (197) and Collin Jensen (HWT) also competed for the Huskers at the Southern Scuffle. Dustin Williams (165) and Derek White (197) each wrestled unattached at the tournament. The Huskers return home to host Purdue next weekend at the Devaney Center. The dual, set for Jan. 9 at 7 p.m., will be part of Tumble N’ Rumble, which will also feature a Nebraska women’s gymnastics meet on the Devaney floor at the same time.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The No. 15-ranked University of Michigan wrestling team posted five individual placewinners, including runner-up finishes from junior Rossi Bruno and sophomore Adam Coon, to claim fifth place (88.5 points) at the Southern Scuffle on Friday (Jan. 2) at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga's McKenzie Arena. Bruno, seeded third at 133 pounds, had to settle for runner-up honors for the third time this season, falling to Iowa State's fifth seeded -- and 13th-ranked -- Earl Hall, 5-2, in the championship match. Tied at 1-1 late in the third period, Bruno, ranked eighth, went big with an attempted cement mixer, but Hall took advantage, countering for a takedown and two near fall. Bruno picked up a pair of solid wins in the morning session, earning bonus points with an 11-1 major decision over North Carolina's Troy Heilmann in the quarterfinals before edging Lehigh's second-seeded -- and sixth-ranked -- Mason Beckman, 7-5, in the first tiebreaker of his semifinal bout. Bruno and Beckman traded takedowns and escapes in regulation and after a scoreless sudden-victory frame, Bruno started on bottom first in the tiebreaker. He escaped quickly and locked up a cradle on the edge in the waning moments of the 30-second frame to gain a three-point advantage. Beckman escaped in the second round but could muster nothing else as Bruno held on for the victory. Coon, seeded third at heavyweight, fell to Oklahoma State's top-seeded -- and fourth-ranked -- Austin Marsden, 7-4, in the championship match. Marsden struck on an early single leg in the first period and countered a pair of Coon attacks to add two more in the third, including one in the waning seconds to ice it. Coon earned two decisions in the morning round, shutting out Penn State's sixth-seeded Jon Gingrich, 2-0, in the quarterfinals on an escape and 1:50 riding time and cruising to a 10-3 win over Missouri's seventh-seeded Devin Mellon in the semifinals. Coon scored takedowns in the first and third period against Mellon, locking up a cradle to add two back points off the former and rode for 1:32. Sophomore Domenic Abounader, seeded eighth at 184 pounds, posted a 6-2 record, including a 3-2 mark today, en route to fifth place in his Southern Scuffle debut. Abounader rallied in his medal match to defeat Missouri's fourth-seeded -- and ninth-ranked -- Willie Miklus, 4-3, on a third-period rideout and 1:21 in time advantage. After giving up an early duck under, Abounader reversed midway through the second and trailed by one entering the final period. Abounader opened the day with a 13-5 loss to Cornell's second-seeded -- and seventh-ranked -- Gabe Dean, in the semifinals but rebounded in the wrestlebacks. He also earned a solid win over Oklahoma State's fifth-seeded Nolan Boyd, 5-3, scoring counter takedowns in the first and second periods. Fifth-year senior Max Huntley, seeded fifth at 197 pounds, took sixth place after defaulting out prior to the consolation semifinals. He posted a 5-1 record, including a 2-1 mark today, earning back-to-back consolation wins after falling to Penn State's fourth-seeded -- and fourth-ranked -- Morgan McIntosh, 7-4, in the quarterfinal round. After giving up a pair of first-period takedowns in that contest, Huntley scored out of a scramble at the second-period buzzer and escaped quickly in the third to pull within one. McIntosh struck again, however, finishing an ankle pick on the edge and riding out the period to hang on. After earning bonus with a major decision in his first wrestleback match, Huntley gutted out a 5-4 decision over Virginia's ninth-seeded -- and 16th-ranked -- Zach Nye in his second, scoring takedowns in the first and third periods. Huntley finished the match despite requiring injury time in the second but defaulted out of his remaining matches for precautionary reasons. Sophomore/freshman George Fisher, unseeded at 141 pounds, rounded out the Wolverines' placewinners, claiming seventh place in his second varsity tournament appearance. He closed out the tournament with a commanding 9-3 decision over Oklahoma State's eighth-seeded Dean Heil in the medal match. Fisher built up a sizable early lead with two first-period single legs, adding two near fall with a cradle off the latter. He iced the match late with another takedown , barreling Heil over when the Cowboy relaxed after missing on a shot of his own. The victory turned around Fisher's loss to Heil in last night's third round; he lost that match 7-2. Fisher opened the day with a pair of wrestleback falls, upping his tournament total to three, in just a combined 3:49. He used a leg turk to a reverse half to pin Army's Matthew Kelly at 2:06 before making quicker work of Appalachian State's Mike Longo, cradling him up off a takedown to secure the fall at 1:43. Two Wolverines finished just a match shy of placing as junior/sophomore Conor Youtsey and sophomore/freshman Brian Murphy were eliminated with similar 4-2 records at 125 and 157 pounds, respectively. Michigan will kick off Big Ten Conference dual competition next weekend, traveling to Minneapolis, Minn., to face Minnesota at 8 p.m. CST on Friday (Jan. 9) before squaring off against in-state rival Michigan State 2 p.m. on Sunday (Jan. 11) in East Lansing, Mich. Friday's dual against the Golden Gophers will be aired live on the Big Ten Network.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Oklahoma State finished third at the Southern Scuffle with three individual champions in Josh Kindig (149), Alex Dieringer (165) and Austin Marsden (285). The Cowboys finished with 135.5 points, behind Penn State's 165 points and Missouri's 150 points. "It was good to see the three victories in tonight's finals," coach John Smith said. "It's nice to see us score takedowns to win those types of matches. Overall, it wasn't a bad tournament for us. It tells us how far away we are, which is a little further than I hoped. We can take good things out of this tournament as we head into next week. I'm looking forward to competing against Iowa." Kindig, the first champ for the Cowboys, started the day with a defensive fall in the third period of the quarterfinals over Luke Frey of Penn State to send him to the semifinals. There, he edged Pittsburgh's Edgar Bright, 3-2, to earn his spot in the 149-pound finals, where he took on No. 4 Drake Houdashelt of Missouri. The two finished with a scoreless first period, and the Tiger was the first to put points on the board with a second-period escape. Kindig tied it up with his own escape in the third. Houdashelt got in on a shot, but it was Kindig who ended up with the takedown early in the third period. An escape from Houdashelt and a trio of penalty points between the two made the final score 5-3 and gave Kindig his first Southern Scuffle title. "That match was a great win for me after losing to him last year more than once," Kindig said. "However, I have a lot of work to do to get where I want to be when it comes time for nationals. I need to focus on putting more points on the board against guys like him." Dieringer sailed to the finals in his second day of action, notching two technical falls and giving up a total of two points. The first came over Dakota Friesth of Wyoming in the quarterfinals, where he ended the match almost a minute early, 18-1. In the semifinals, he was just as dominant, taking out Peyton Walsh of Navy, 17-1. In the finals, Dieringer took out No. 2 Nick Sulzer of Virginia, 8-2. Dieringer tallied up three takedowns with an escape and riding time advantage to seal his second-consecutive Southern Scuffle title. The win was his second victory over the Cavalier this season, with the first coming at the NWCA All-Star Classic in November. "I feel good about my performance," Dieringer said. "I didn't give up an offensive point, and I got five bonus matches so I feel good about that. Also to wrestle the No. 2 guy, Sulzer, was good to see where I am at this point in the season. That being said, I have to go back and keep working on my flaws and push hard in the room every day. Only three more months." Marsden became the third finalist for the Pokes when he rolled over Penn State's Nick Nevills, 11-3. The junior collected four takedowns en route to the win. Earlier in the day, Marsden had no trouble defeating Collin Jensen of Nebraska with two takedowns and a reversal. He met up with Michigan's Adam Coon in the finals. Marsden scored the only takedowns of the match to defeat Coon, 7-4, and win his first title at the event. "I went into the tournament with a completely different mindset," Marsden said. "Instead of winning by one or two shots, I wanted to go out there and push the pace and score a lot of takedowns. The Scuffle was my opportunity to change it, and I thought I wrestled well. I got a lot of bonus points. I wrestled through to the finals, where I got the first takedown and kept the pace and didn't slow down." With a decisive 8-3 win over Ben Willeford of Cleveland State in the quarterfinals to start the day, Eddie Klimara advanced to the 125-pound semifinals, where he faced No. 3 Alan Waters of Mizzou. The junior got the first takedown with a solid ride in the first period, but Waters got the escape and a takedown of his own to leave the Cowboy trailing, 3-2, heading into the second period. Klimara started the period with a reversal and gave up the escape to tie the bout, 4-4. Waters later took the lead with a third-period escape. Although there were several well-battled takedown attempts from the Cowboy, none were completed and Klimara fell 5-4. Following the loss, he was able to advance to the third-place match, where he went up against Sean Boyle of Tennessee-Chattanooga. A slow start put the Cowboy behind and he was not able to overcome the deficit, falling, 11-9, and finishing fourth. Marsteller also finished fourth, but it was his quarterfinal win that got attention. The true freshman upset the No. 3-seed and 12th ranked Dylan Palacio of Cornell in an 11-10 thriller. Marsteller struck first with a takedown in the first. The rest of the period was full of reversals and nearfalls to bring the score to 8-6 in favor of Marsteller, leading into the second. An escape and takedown for Palacio in the second period gave him a 9-8 advantage. Marsteller tied it up with an escape in the third, but it was a takedown at the buzzer that gave Marsteller the huge upset victory. OSU had five other placers in Dean Heil (141), Anthony Collica (157), Kyle Crutchmer and Jordan Rogers (174) and Nolan Boyd (184). The Cowboys will resume dual action on Jan. 11 in Stillwater, Okla., as they host the Iowa Hawkeyes.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- The University of Iowa wresting team recorded a 27-9 win over the No. 23 ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The win improves Iowa's winning record against Rutgers to 2-0 after a 33-9 victory in 2009. The Hawkeyes resumed their regular season schedule after collecting 4 individual titles and an overall team-win at the 52nd Ken Kraft Midlands Championship on Dec. 29th and 30th. Sophomore Cory Clark (133), junior Nathan Burak (197), and seniors Mike Evans (174) and Bobby Telford (285) all walked away with championship honors at their respective weights. Thomas Gilman took on Rutger's sophomore Sean McCabe and scored early finishing the first period ahead 10-4. Gilman ended the match at 6:33 with a 25-10 tech fall. The win included 12 takedowns by Gilman and put the Hawkeyes in front 4-0. Sophomore Phillip Laux went at 133 to compete with Scott DelVecchio, ultimately being overcome 10-3. This was Laux's first career dual appearance, bringing his career record overall to 23-2. Senior Josh Dziewa battled the No. 11 ranked Anthony Ashnault, but fell behind at the very end with a last second takedown by Ashnault. The 2-point score gave the Rutgers redshirt freshman a 3-1 advantage. The win put Rutgers ahead 6-4 heading into the 149-pound match-up. Brandon Sorenson, coming off of a third place finish at the Midlands Championships, collected a major decision 18-5 victory over Ken Theobold. Sorenson recorded his 6th career major decision win, moving his career record to 20-3. At 157 Michael Kelly faced #13 Anthony Perrotti and recorded a 4-0 decision, helping to move Iowa further into the lead with a score of 11-6. This was Kelly's first Big Ten appearance of the 2014-2015 season. Seniors Nick Moore (165) and Mike Evans (174) collected a major decision and decision, respectively. Moore took on Nick Gravina and recorded four takedowns and two near falls in the 16-4 victory. Evans, defending 174-pound Midlands champion, shut out opponent Phil Bukuckas with a 5-0 decision. Sammy Brooks delivered the only fall of the night, pinning Hayden Hrymack at 3:52. The pin contributed three of six bonus points Iowa tallied during the dual. Three takedowns helped Rutgers newcomer Andrew Campolattano defeat Kris Klapprodt in an 8-5 decision at 197. Undefeated heavyweight Bobby Telford improved his season record to 15-0 after a 6-2 decision over Billy Smith, solidifying the Iowa victory with a final score of 27-9. Iowa will return to action on Sunday, Jan. 4 as they take on the No. 7 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. The dual is set to begin at 1:00 p.m. (CT) in Columbus, Ohio. Results: 125 - #4 Thomas Gilman (Iowa) tech fall Sean McCabe (Rutgers), 25-10; 4-0 133 - Scott DelVecchio (Rutgers) dec. Phillip Laux (Iowa), 10-3; 4-3 141 - #11 Anthony Ashnault (Rutgers) dec. #6 Josh Dziewa (Iowa), 3-1; 4-6 149 - #10 Brandon Sorenson (Iowa) major dec. Ken Theobold (Rutgers), 18-5; 8-6 157 - Mike Kelly (Iowa) dec. #13 Anthony Perrotti (Rutgers), 4-0; 11-6 165 - #7 Nick Moore (Iowa) major dec. Nick Gravina (Rutgers), 16-4; 15-6 174 - #2 Mike Evans (Iowa) dec. Phil Bukuckas (Rutgers), 5-0; 18-6 184 - #8 Sammy Brooks (Iowa) pinned Hayden Hrymach (Rutgers), 3:52; 24-6 197 - Andrew Campolattano (Rutgers) dec. Kris Klapprodt (Iowa), 8-5; 24-9 285 - #3 Bobby Telford (Iowa) dec. #9 Billy Smith (Rutgers), 6-2; 27-9

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Mizzou wrestling concluded the final day of the 2015 Defense Soap & Flips Southern Scuffle with three event championships and a second place overall finish. Redshirt senior Alan Waters (125), redshirt sophomore Lavion Mayes (141) and sophomore J'den Cox (197) all racked up titles in their respective brackets, while also maintaining their perfect records to start the 2014-15 season. Mizzou's 150.0 team points was good enough for second place, only trailing No. 4 Penn State's tournament winning 165.0 points. The impressive two-day effort by the Tigers outgained national powers such as No. 8 Oklahoma State (135.5 points), No. 12 Nebraska (116.0), No. 15 Michigan (88.5), No. 3 Cornell (79.5), No. 11 Lehigh (79.0), No. 9 Pittsburgh (72.0), No. 21 Wyoming (57.6), No. 16 Virginia (51.5), and No. 14 Iowa State (49.5). The second greatest attendance number in Chattanooga Southern Scuffle history made their way to McKenzie Arena Friday, as 3,320 total attendees made their way through the turnstiles. The second day of the Scuffle began with the quarterfinals rounds and two rounds of consolation matches. Waters once again began the day strong for Mizzou, by picking up a technical fall win over Sean Boyle (Chattanooga) and advancing to the semifinals. Redshirt sophomore Zach Synon later advanced to the blood round, defeating two opponents in a row, both by decision. Mayes followed suit, winning in tie-breaker period one over Dean Heil (Oklahoma State) to advance to the 141 pound semifinals. In the 149 pound semifinal, redshirt senior Drake Houdashelt had a back-and-forth match against No. 15 Mike Racciato (Pittsburgh), winning 11-7 to move to the title match. Redshirt senior Johnny Eblen later defeated No. 7 Tanner Weatherman (Iowa State) to advance in the 174 pound bracket. Redshirt freshman Willie Miklus and Cox both advanced to their respective semifinals by way of major decisions, leaving the Tigers with seven wrestlers still in the running for an event championship. Afternoon matchups brought ranked wins in the field of eight for Waters, Mayes, Houdashelt, and Cox, moving them into the finals and locking in the team's second place standing for the tournament. Also making it into placement matches were Eblen, Miklus and redshirt senior Devin Mellon. Waters recorded the first title of the evening for Mizzou with a 3-1 decision win over No. 2 Nahshon Garrett (Cornell). Up next in the 141 pound title matchup was Mayes against No. 17 Geordan Martinez (Boise State). A close 6-4 decision in Mayes' favor gave Tiger Style their second event winner of the tournament. Houdashelt suffered his first loss of the season in his 149 pound championship match to No. 2 Josh Kindig (Oklahoma State) via 5-3 decision. Cox responded nicely for the Tigers and got the team back in the winner's circle, as he defeated No. 5 Conner Hartmann by a 6-1 decision. Check-in to MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou wrestling. You can also find the Tigers on social media, by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter (@MizzouWrestling).

Related: Brackets | Team Scores | Placers | Blog CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team, ranked No. 4 in the latest Intermat Tournament Power Index, used a torrid morning session to win the 2015 Defense Soap and Flips Wrestling Southern Scuffle. Head coach Cael Sanderson's squad used a balanced attack of placers at nine of ten weights to win its fifth straight Southern Scuffle title. Penn State won the team race with 165.0 points while Missouri was second with 150.0. The Lions went 29-15 in the morning session to bolt out to an insurmountable lead over the Tigers. Oklahoma State placed third with 135.5, Nebraska fourth with 116.0 and Michigan fifth with 88.5 The day began with the quarterfinals and for Penn State that meant sophomore Jimmy Gulibon (Latrobe, Pa.) was up first. Gulibon, ranked No. 5 nationally and the top seed at 133, downed No. 15 Kevin Devoy of Drexel 7-2. Penn State had two quarterfinalists at 149. Sophomore Zack Beitz (Mifflintown, Pa.), ranked No. 17, picked up key bonus points with a third period pin over Drexel's Matt Cimato at the 6:35 mark. Junior Luke Frey (Montoursville, Pa.) took on Josh Kindig, ranked No. 2 nationally. Frey was tied 2-2 midway through the third period and was turning Kindig for possible back points when the official gave Kindig a defensive pin at the 5:22 mark, sending Frey into consolation action. Senior Dylan Alton (Mill Hall, Pa.), ranked No. 8 at 157 and making his season debut at the tournament, was tied 1-1 in the third when he was turned for a quick pin at the 6:24 mark, falling into consolation action. True freshman Jason Nolf (Yatesboro, Pa.), red-shirting this season and wrestling unattached, moved into the semifinals with a strong 6-1 win over North Carolina State's Tommy Gantt. Senior Matt Brown (West Valley City, Utah), ranked No. 4 nationally at 174, posted a hard-fought 11-6 win over Oklahoma State's Jordan Rogers in his quarterfinal match. Red-shirt freshman Matt McCutcheon (Apollo, Pa.), the sixth-seed at 184, dropped a tough 3-2 decision to Lehigh's Nate Brown, who was ranked No. 3 nationally. Junior Morgan McIntosh (Santa Ana, Calif.), ranked No. 4 nationally at 197, posted a strong 7-4 win over No. 12 Max Huntley of Michigan to move into the semifinals. Penn State had two semifinalists at heavyweight. Senior Jon Gingrich (Wingate, Pa.), the sixth-seed at 285, lost a 2-0 decision to No. 8 Adam Coon of Michigan. True freshman Nick Nevills (Clovis, Calif.), red-shirting this season and wrestling unattached, dominated No. 19 Riley Shaw of Cleveland State. Nevills rolled to a 5-1 win with over 4:00 in riding time to advance to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Gulibon gave up two second period takedowns and could not come back from it, dropping a tough 5-2 decision to No. 13 Earl Hall of Iowa State. Beitz took on Missouri's Drake Houdashelt, ranked fourth nationally, in the semis and nearly picked up the upset. A third period ride out gave the Tiger a riding time point and a 3-2 decision. Nolf became Penn State's first finalist, albeit a non-team scoring one, with a strong 6-1 win over No. 12 Russell Parsons of Army in his semifinal bout. The win pushed the unattached true freshman into the championship finals. Brown opened up an early lead on No. 5 Matt Wilps of Pittsburgh and held on for a hard-fought 6-5 decision to advance to become Penn State's second finalists. McIntosh took on defending National Champion J'Den Cox of Missouri in the semifinals. Cox turned a second period escape and a riding time bonus point into a 2-1 win, sending McIntosh into the consolation semifinals with the close decision. Nevills took Oklahoma State's Austin Marsden, ranked No. 4 nationally at 285, in the semifinals but dropped an 11-3 major to the Cowboy big man and moving to the consolation semifinals. Nolf met top-seed James Green of Nebraska, ranked No. 2 nationally, in the finals at 157. The Nittany Lion battled the three-time All-American tough for seven minutes but dropped a tough 7-4 decision to the Husker senior. Nolf went 4-1 during his second-place performance in his first trip to the Southern Scuffle. Brown took on top-seed Robert Kokesh of Nebraska, ranked No. 1 nationally, in the finals at 174. Brown gave up a second period takedown and could not come back from it despite a flurry of shots in the third period. Kokesh's defense allowed the Husker to post the 3-2 decision. Brown placed second with a 5-1 record, including a pin, a tech fall and a major. The Lions who did not win in the semis roared back to help Penn State in the team race. Gulibon dominated No. 14 Mackenzie McGuire of Kent State in the conso semis, posting a 7-2 win to advance to the third place match. In that match, the Lion sophomore dropped a tough 3-1 (sv) decision to No. 6 Mason Beckman of Lehigh. Gulibon went 4-2 with two majors to place fourth. Beitz took on teammate Frey in the consolation semifinals and posted a hard won 2-1 decision, moving to the third place bout. In that bout, the Lion sophomore lost a tough 3-2 bout to No. 7 Edgar Bright of Pittsburgh. Beitz went 4-2 with a pin and a major during his fourth place fun. McIntosh made quick work of No. 18 Jace Bennett of Cornell in the conso semis, picking up first period pin at the 1:37 mark to move into the third place match. In that match, McIntosh posted a 4-3 win over No 15 Elliott Riddick of Lehigh to take third place. McIntosh went 5-1 with two pins in his tourney run. Nevills was set to take on teammate Jon Gingrich in the conso semis but, after getting banged up in the prior match, the Lion took a medical forfeit. He ended the tournament, starting unseeded, as the sixth place finisher, posting a 3-1 mark overall. Junior Jordan Conaway (Abbottstown, Pa.), ranked No. 5 nationally at 125, bounced back from a contested upset loss last night to win three straight consolation matches to start the day. Conaway posted two decisions early and then majored Pitt's Dom Forys 8-0 to move into the conso quarters. He dropped a tough 8-5 decision to No. 17 Tim Lambert of Nebraska to fall into the seventh place match. In that placing bout, the Lion junior took revenge on Willeford to the tune of a 10-4 decision. He went 5-2 at the Scuffle during his seventh place run with a tech fall and two majors. With every point of critical import in a tight team race, Penn State got solid production at 141 pounds. Red-shirt freshman Kade Moss (South Jordan, Utah) posted key bonus points with a major decision in his first conso bout Friday morning and both an injury default and a medical forfeit following that. With a top-eight finish clinched, Moss was not done. He pinned Oklahoma State's Dan Heil at the 4:18 mark, picking up his third pin of the tournament. He was pinned by No. 10 Zach Horan of Central Michigan in the conso semis, moving to the fifth place bout where lost 8-5 to No. 14 Joe Ward of North Carolina. Moss went 7-3 overall with three pins, a major and two forfeits for 11.0 bonus points. Frey responded to his tough loss to Kindig by dominating Central Michigan's Justin Oliver 9-2, clinched a top-eight finish and then downed Central Michigan's Colin Heffernan in the conso quarters to set up a consolation semifinal bout with teammate Beitz. Beitz posted a tough 2-1 win, sending Frey to the fifth place match where he pinned Nebraska's Tyler Berger in the first period, getting a quick fall at the 1:30 mark. Frey went 6-2 with two pins to place fifth. Alton responded to his upset loss in the quarters by catching No. 4 Brian Realbuto in a headlock and putting him to his back for a quick pin. The fall, at the 1:17 mark, moved Alton into the conso quarters and clinched a top eight finish in his first event of the year. He then duplicated the effort, catching No. 19 Anthony Collica in another headlock and picking up the first period pin at the 2:33 mark. Alton took on No. 12 Russell Parsons of Army in the consolation semifinals and worked his way to a thrilling 5-4 win. The decision pushed the fifth seed into the third place bout where he dropped a 5-2 decision to North Carolina State's Tommy Gantt. Alton made his season debut at the event and went 5-2, placed fourth as the fifth seed and picked up two pins over ranked wrestlers. McCutcheon bounced back with a strong 3-1 win over Nebraska's Aaron Studebaker in his first consolation match. The decision clinched a top-eight finish and moved him into the consolation quarters where he dominated No. 19 T.J. Dudley of Nebraska. McCutcheon was up 11-0 with just :30 left when Dudley injury defaulted, giving McCutcheon two bonus points on top of the win. In the consolation semis, he took on No. 9 Willie Miklus of Missouri in a key bout in the team race. McCutcheon used a late takedown to grab a thrilling 9-8 win and move into the third place bout. The red-shirt freshman took on No. 3 Brown of Lehigh again and fell 4-0. McIntosh placed fourth with a 5-2 record, including a pin. Gingrich took care of Appalachian State's Denzel DeJournette in his consolation match, posting a 9-5 win. The victory clinched a top-eight finish for the Lion senior and moved him into the conso quarters where he posted a quick 15-0 tech fall over Kent State's Mimmo Lytle. In the conso semis, Gingrich was set to meet teammate Nick Nevills, but Nevills was banged up the match before so Gingrich grabbed the medical forfeit and moved into the third place bout. In the third place match-up, Gingrich used a last second takedown to post a thrilling 3-2 win over Missouri's Devin Mellon. Gingrich's third place finish came off a 7-1 record which included a pin, two majors, a tech and one forfeit victory. Junior Michael Waters (Advance, N.C.) lost his first consolation match of the day, a 10-4 decision, and ended his Scuffle run with a 2-2 mark, including two majors. Red-shirt freshman Cody Law (Windber, Pa.) nearly upset No. 10 Joey LaValle of Missouri in his first consolation bout Sunday, but riding time led to a 2-1 loss. Law went 2-2 with a major. Classmate Garett Hammond (Chambersburg, Pa.), Penn State's lone competitor at 165, dropped an 11-9 (sv) decision in his first consolation bout and ended his tournament with a 2-2 mark, including a pin. Senior heavyweight Nick Ruggear (Oxford, Pa.), making his season debut at the Scuffle, lost his first wrestle-back of the day and ended his tournament with a 2-2 mark. True freshman Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas), wrestling unattached, went 2-1 on day one and was nicked midway through his third round tie-breaker loss (on one second of riding time) to Wyoming senior Andy McCulley. Nickal took a medical forfeit (which is not a loss) and ended his tourney run with a 2-1 record at 174. Senior Jimmy Lawson (Toms River, N.J.), ranked No. 6 nationally at 285 and the tournament's No. 2 seed, did not wrestle at the event due to injury as well. After a 38-7 first day, Penn State went 33-22 on day two of the event, posting a final 71-29 overall mark. The Lions tallied 33 bonus point victories over the tournament's two day run (12 majors, three technical falls, 14 pins, four forfeits). Penn State had place-winners at nine of the ten weights (all except 165) and picked up team points at all ten weights. The Nittany Lions finished with 12 place winners. Penn State returns to action next in a home dual on Friday, Jan. 9, when Indiana visits Rec Hall for a 7 p.m. match-up. A limited number of SRO tickets are available for select Penn State Rec Hall dual meets, although the SROs for the Lehigh dual are sold out. For ticket inquiries, call 1-800-NITTANY. Penn State Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via twitter at www.twitter.com/pennstateWREST and on Penn State Wrestling's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling. The 2014-15 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by The Family Clothesline. 2015 SOUTHERN SCUFFLE - FINAL TEAM STANDINGS - TOP FIVE Friday, Jan. 2, 2015 - Chattanooga, Tenn. 1: PENN STATE - 165.0 2: Missouri - 150.0 3: Oklahoma State - 135.5 4: Nebraska - 116.0 5: Michigan - 88.5 Attendance: 3,320

125: 1st: No. 3 Alan Waters (Missouri) dec. No. 2 Nahshon Garrett (Cornell), 3-1 3rd: No. 20 Sean Boyle (Chattanooga) dec. No. 11 Eddie Klimara (Oklahoma State), 11-9 5th: No. 17 Tim Lambert (Nebraska) dec. No. 10 Tyler Cox (Wyoming), 3-2 7th: No. 5 Jordan Conaway (Penn State) dec. Ben Willeford (Cleveland State), 10-4 133: 1st: No. 13 Earl Hall (Iowa State) dec. No. 8 Rossi Bruno (Michigan), 5-2 3rd: No. 6 Mason Beckman (Lehigh) dec. No. 5 Jimmy Gulibon (Penn State), 3-1 SV 5th: No. 15 Kevin Devoy (Drexel) dec. No. 14 Mackenzie McGuire (Kent State), 4-2 7th: No. 18 Nick Soto (Chattanooga) dec. Troy Heilmann (North Carolina), 10-4 141: 1st: No. 8 Lavion Mayes (Missouri) dec. No. 17 Geo Martinez (Boise State), 6-4 3rd: No. 20 Anthony Abidin (Nebraska) dec. No. 10 Zach Horan (Central Michigan), 2-1 5th: No. 14 Joey Ward (North Carolina) dec. Kade Moss (Penn State), 8-5 7th: George Fisher (Michigan) dec. Dean Heil (Oklahoma State), 9-3 149: 1st: No. 2 Joshua Kindig (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 4 Drake Houdashelt (Missouri), 5-3 3rd: Edgar Bright (Pittsburgh) dec. No. 17 Zack Beitz (Penn State), 3-2 5th: Luke Frey (Penn State) pinned Tyler Berger (Nebraska), 1:31 7th: No. 15 Mike Racciato (Pittsburgh) dec. Colin Heffernan (Central Michigan), 3-2 157: 1st: No. 2 James Green (Nebraska) dec. Jason Nolf (Penn State), 7-4 3rd: Tommy Gantt (North Carolina State) dec. No. 8 Dylan Alton (Penn State), 5-2 5th: Aaron Walker (The Citadel) tech. fall No. 12 Russell Parsons (Army), 20-5 7th: No. 19 Anthony Collica (Oklahoma State) dec. Max Hvolbek (Stanford), 10-4 165: 1st: No. 1 Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 2 Nick Sulzer (Virginia), 8-2 3rd: No. 15 Peyton Walsh (Navy) dec. Chance Marstellar (Oklahoma State), 8-3 5th: Coleman Gracey (Army) dec. Marshall Peppelman (Lehigh), 4-0 7th: Ethan Ramos (North Carolina) dec. Dakota Friesth (Wyoming), 7-3 174: 1st: No. 1 Robert Kokesh (Nebraska) dec. No. 4 Matt Brown (Penn State), 3-2 3rd: John Eblen (Missouri) dec. No. 5 Tyler Wilps (Pittsburgh), 7-3 5th: Andy McCulley (Wyoming) by medical forfeit over No. 18 Kyle Crutchmer (Oklahoma State) 7th: No. 7 Tanner Weatherman (Iowa State) dec. Jordan Rogers (Oklahoma State), 10-8 SV 184: 1st: No. 7 Gabe Dean (Cornell) pinned No. 1 Max Thomusseit (Pittsburgh), 3:55 3rd: No. 3 Nate Brown (Lehigh) pinned Matt McCutcheon (Penn State), 5:00 5th: No. 16 Domenic Abounader (Michigan) dec. No. 9 Willie Miklus (Missouri), 4-3 7th: Nolan Boyd (Oklahoma State) by medical forfeit over No. 19 T.J. Dudley (Nebraska) 197: 1st: No. 3 J'den Cox (Missouri) dec. No. 5 Conner Hartmann (Duke), 6-1 3rd: No. 4 Morgan McIntosh (Penn State) dec. No. 15 Elliot Riddick (Lehigh), 4-3 5th: No. 18 Jace Bennett (Cornell) by medical forfeit over No. 12 Max Huntley (Michigan) 7th: Shane Woods (Wyoming) dec. No. 16 Zach Nye (Virginia), 3-1 SV 285: 1st: No. 4 Austin Marsden (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 8 Adam Coon (Michigan), 7-4 3rd: Jon Gingrich (Penn State) dec. Devin Mellon (Missouri), 3-2 5th: No. 19 Riley Shaw (Cleveland State) by medical forfeit over Nick Nevills (Penn State) 7th: Mimmo Lytle (Kent State) dec. Jacob Kettler (George Mason), 5-2

125: No. 3 Alan Waters (Missouri) dec. No. 2 Nahshon Garrett (Cornell), 3-1 133: No. 13 Earl Hall (Iowa State) dec. No. 8 Rossi Bruno (Michigan), 5-2 141: No. 8 Lavion Mayes (Missouri) dec. No. 17 Geo Martinez (Boise State), 6-4 149: No. 2 Josh Kindig (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 4 Drake Houdashelt (Missouri), 5-3 157: No. 2 James Green (Nebraska) dec. Jason Nolf (Penn State), 7-4 165: No. 1 Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 2 Nick Sulzer (Virginia), 8-2 174: No. 1 Robert Kokesh (Nebraska)dec. No. 4 Matt Brown (Penn State), 3-2 184: No. 7 Gabe Dean (Cornell) pinned No. 1 Max Thomusseit (Pittsburgh), 3:55 197: No. 3 J'den Cox (Missouri) dec. No. 5 Conner Hartmann (Duke), 6-1 285: No. 4 Austin Marsden (Oklahoma State) dec. No. 8 Adam Coon (Michigan), 7-4

125: No. 2 Nahshon Garrett (Cornell) vs. No. 3 Alan Waters (Missouri) 133: No. 8 Rossi Bruno (Michigan) vs. No. 13 Earl Hall (Iowa State) 141: No. 8 Lavion Mayes (Missouri) vs. No. 17 Geo Martinez (Boise State) 149: No. 2 Josh Kindig (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 4 Drake Houdashelt (Missouri) 157: No. 2 James Green (Nebraska) vs. Jason Nolf (Penn State) 165: No. 1 Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 2 Nick Sulzer (Virginia) 174: No. 1 Robert Kokesh (Nebraska) vs. No. 4 Matt Brown (Penn State) 184: No. 1 Max Thomusseit (Pittsburgh) vs. No. 7 Gabe Dean (Cornell) 197: No. 3 J'den Cox (Missouri) vs. No. 5 Conner Hartmann (Duke) 285: No. 4 Austin Marsden (Oklahoma State) vs. No. 8 Adam Coon (Michigan)

125: No. 2 Nahshon Garrett (Cornell) maj. dec. No. 10 Tyler Cox (Wyoming), 11-3 No. 3 Alan Waters (Missouri) dec. No. 11 Eddie Klimara (Oklahoma State), 5-4 133: No. 13 Earl Hall (Iowa State) dec. No. 5 Jimmy Gulibon (Penn State), 5-2 No. 8 Rossi Bruno (Michigan) dec. No. 6 Mason Beckman (Lehigh), 7-5 SV 141: No. 8 Lavion Mayes (Missouri) dec. No. 14 Joey Ward (North Carolina), 5-3 No. 17 Geo Martinez (Boise State) pinned No. 10 Zach Horan (Central Michigan), 1:41 149: No. 2 Josh Kindig (Oklahoma State) dec. Edgar Bright (Pittsburgh), 3-2 No. 4 Drake Houdashelt (Missouri) dec. No. 17 Zack Beitz (Penn State), 3-2 157: No. 2 James Green (Nebraska) dec. Aaron Walker (The Citadel), 4-2 Jason Nolf (Penn State) dec. No. 12 Russ Parsons (Army), 6-1 165: No. 1 Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State) tech. fall No. 15 Peyton Walsh (Navy), 18-1 No. 2 Nick Sulzer (Virginia) dec. Chance Marsteller (Oklahoma State), 10-3 174: No. 1 Robert Kokesh (Nebraska) dec. John Eblen (Missouri), 5-2 No. 4 Matt Brown (Penn State) dec. No. 5 Tyler Wilps (Pittsburgh), 6-5 184: No. 7 Gabe Dean (Cornell) dec. No. 9 Willie Miklus (Missouri), 6-3 No. 1 Max Thomusseit (Pittsburgh) dec. No. 3 Nate Brown (Lehigh), 3-1 197: No. 3 J'den Cox (Missouri) dec. No. 4 Morgan McIntosh (Penn State), 2-1 No. 5 Conner Hartmann (Duke) dec. No. 15 Elliot Riddick (Lehigh), 4-2 285: No. 4 Austin Marsden (Oklahoma State) maj. dec. Nick Nevills (Penn State), 11-3 No. 8 Adam Coon (Michigan) dec. Devin Mellon (Missouri), 10-3

For it being a match-up between the No. 1 and No. 3 ranked teams in the country, there is a ton of uncertainty with each team heading into Saturday's showdown. Coming off a title at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman in early December, St. Paris Graham (Ohio) travels to Blairstown, N.J. to take on Beast of the East champions Blair Academy. The dual meet is part of a triangular that also features Smyrna (Del.), and is slated for a noon start. However, one of the main stories is the uncertainty around the Blair Academy program and lineup. First, and obviously foremost, is the exit of Mason Manville. One of the nation's best juniors has left the school, and will spend the rest of this season training and competing in the Olympic styles through the Minnesota Storm. In addition, top ten in the nation wrestlers Charles Tucker (132) and Brandon Dallavia (170) have not competed since the Ironman. Things have not been perfect for St. Paris Graham since the Ironman either. No. 20 Brent Moore (145) did not compete at the GMVWA this past Saturday and Sunday, while nationally ranked Eli Stickley (120) and Eli Seipel (126) have each absorbed an unexpected setback in the interim. Stickley losing 8-6 in the GMVWA semis to Gage Branson (Glen Este, Ohio), after giving up an early five-point throw; while Seipel lost 4-3 to state placer Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio) 4-3 the prior weekend in a dual meet. All of that being said, one finds it hard to believe that each team won't be at the fullest strength possible on Saturday afternoon. The following reflects projected lineups for each squad. 106: Justin Stickley (St. Paris Graham) vs. Matthew Vinci (Blair Academy) Stickley placed at state last year as a freshman, and was fifth at the Walsh Ironman in mid-December. The freshman Vinci went 1-2 at both the Ironman and Beast of the East. This match has bonus points written all over it. 113: No. 3 Mitch Moore vs. Zach Sherman The freshman sensation Moore was just that in winning the Walsh Ironman, while returning National Prep runner-up Sherman took eighth. Moore will be victorious in this match, while the goal for Sherman is to quite frankly eliminate bonus points. 120: No. 6 Eli Stickley vs. Requir van der Merwe Stickley finished as a somewhat unexpected runner-up at the Ironman. However, his overall career has been more than excellent; winning state last season, winning the Ironman during his sophomore season, and earning three placements at the Super 32 Challenge. The junior van der Merwe placed third at National Preps last year, fifth at the Beast, and was one match away from Ironman placement. Even though van der Merwe upset Stickley in last year's dual meet, and Stickley is prone to the goofy outcome, the most likely outcome here is a Stickley decision. 126: No. 15 Eli Seipel vs. Andrew Merola/Andrew Monohan Blair Academy started different wrestlers in each of the two major tournaments this season; both the freshman Merola and the senior Monohan went 2-2 in their respective apperances. In the opening match at the Ironman, Seipel earned a pin over Merola. Look for possible (even probable) bonus points for Seipel in this dual match. 132: No. 11 Rocky Jordan vs. No. 7 Charles Tucker This here is arguably the swing match of the entire dual meet. Though Tucker is higher ranked based on having a more robust resume, including a pair of Junior National freestyle All-American finishes (runner-up this past year) the freshman Jordan upended Tucker 6-4 in the Walsh Ironman semifinal. 138: Ryan Thomas vs. No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik Thomas and Kolodzik are elite wrestlers in their respective grade levels; however, Thomas is a freshman and Kolodzik is a senior. Kolodzik finished as runner-up at the Walsh Ironman for a third time, and it was his fourth time in the finals; while the fab frosh Thomas went 2-2. Kolodzik should win this matchup, though a bonus point outcome is highly unlikely. 145: No. 20 Brent Moore vs. Michael Monica At the Ironman, Moore placed fourth, while Monica was one match away from placing. The pair met in the opening bout for each with Moore earning a 6-5 victory; however, Moore needed multiple (stalling) penalty points in the third period to rally back from a deficit. The "on surface" resume of each wrestler -- Moore being a FloNationals champion at Super 32 placer, while Monica is lacking that type of "juice" -- would point to a Moore win; however, a Monica win would be a leading indicator for a Blair dual meet victory. 152: No. 15 Kyle Lawson vs. No. 3 Jordan Kutler Kutler placed third at the Walsh Ironman, while Lawson placed seventh. In addition, Kutler and Lawson had one similar opponent, No. 14 Austin Kraisser (Centennial, Md.); Kutler won 4-1, while Lawson lost 5-4. Kutler has been superlative this season in placing third at the Ironman and winning the Beast, to build upon his Junior National freestyle All-American finish this summer. The most likely outcome in this match is a Kutler decision; should Lawson win this match, it would be a leading indicator for a Graham dual met victory. 160: No. 2 Alex Marinelli vs. Ryan Karoly With Manville out of the picture, the Blair Academy strategy for this matchup remains open. It seems most likely the Buccaneers will bump the freshman Karoly, normally a 145/152 to absorb this weight class. In the Ironman, the junior Marinelli upended Mason Manville by 3-1 overtime decision to win his first Ironman title in a third finals appearance. 170: Garrett Jordan vs. Peter Bearse Two of the more unknown wrestlers on each team has a critical role in this dual meet. The junior Jordan, whom is not related to head coach Jeff or U.S. Congressman Jim, was just a state qualifier last year. However, he scored crucial points for the Falcons in the Ironman with a sixth place finish. The senior Bearse was not expected to contribute to the Blair varsity this year, but jumped in when Manville left the picture, and placed down at 160 pounds in the Beast. The most likely outcome here is a Jordan win by decision. 182: Hayden Bronne vs. No. 7 (at 170) Brandon Dallavia Bronne qualified for the state tournament last year, but went 0-2 at the Walsh Ironman. Dallavia placed last year at National Preps, was a Cadet National freestyle champion this summer, and was third in the Walsh Ironman down at 170 pounds. Blair Academy will need Dallavia to secure bonus points in this one, and that is a likely outcome. 195: Kanan Sarver vs. No. 13 (at 182) Chase Singletary The sophomore Sarver went 1-2 at the Walsh Ironman, while the sophomore Singletary placed eighth down a weight at 182 pounds, though that bracket was absolutely loaded (he placed third at the Beast as well). In this dual meet bout, bonus points seem like a good bet, the question is four or six. 220 pounds: Brandon Hays vs. Neil Putnam The absence of state placer Josh Couchman is felt here for St. Paris Graham. He will be back in a few weeks. However, if Couchman was healthy, Blair would just flex Putnam up all the way to 285 (NFHS rules allow for the HVY class to be anyone above the 195 weight limit, whereas the Ohio rule requires the wrestler be 215 pounds). In terms of this bout, anything less than a win by fall for Putnam would reflect "victory" for Graham. 285: Dylan Nave vs. No. 11 (at 220) David Showunmi The junior Nave had a losing record last season, and was 1-2 in the Ironman. The senior Showunmi won the Ironman down at 220 pounds, and was third in a rather tough Beast weight class at 220. In addition, he bumped up to 285 pounds this past weekend, and earned a victory over 2013 state placer Jose Palomino (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.). If this is not a win by fall for Showunmi, Graham has accomplished something. Even though St. Paris Graham is the nation's number one team, and Blair Academy lost Manville, one could still argue the visitor Falcons enter this dual meet as the underdog. The Buccaneers lineup flexibility gives them at least 20 points from the last four weight classes. In addition, there are likely decisions at 138 and 152 pounds for Blair Academy. There are three other opportunities for them to secure a seventh win: 132, 145, or 170. The most likely path to victory for the Falcons is to win eight weight classes, or find a way to taper down bonus points in the back four weights during a seven-seven dual meet. Should Blair Academy win the dual meet, the picture for who is number one gets totally muddied up, with the strongest argument in favor of current No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. The Huskies had an excellent Walsh Ironman -- considering the absence of No. 4 Larry Early at 145 pounds, and state qualifier Allen Stallings at 220. If St. Paris Graham win the dual meet, they will close out the year national champions, as this dual meet is the biggest hurdle left for the Falcons.