Luther's Matt Pyle picks up 100th win
DATE: 1/31/2007 11:36:00 AM
Decorah, IA
By Dave Blanchard
Luther College
Matt Pyle, a 2003 graduate of Sabetha High School, recorded his 100th career victory at the Iowa Conference Duals held Jan. 27.
Pyle entered the duals needing three wins to record his 100th career victory and posted four wins, three by fall.
He posted falls over Calvin Barber of Buena Vista (1:37), Jeremiah Teeple of Central (2:27) and Alex Riniker of Cornell (2:08). He also was credited with a tech fall over Billy Smith of Loras (16-0).
Pyle has recorded a season record of 28-5, including 13 falls, increasing his career mark to 101-26. With his pin total, he has moved in the fourth position all-time, with a career total of 44. Three-time All-American Garret South 2002-05 holds the record with 55. Three-time All-American Jeff Freidhof, sits atop the career win list with a mark of 149-53.
Pyle, a three-time All-American, is ranked no. 3 in the nation and has an opportunity of becoming the first Luther wrestler to earn All-America honors four times.
Luther (14-3), won all four of its matches at the IIAC duals, and will wrap up its dual meet schedule at home on Feb. 2, against the University of Dubuque.
The Iowa Conference Championships will be hosted by Dubuque on Feb. 15, followed by The NCAA III National Championships Mar. 2-3, hosted by Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa.
He is the son of Gary and Laura Pyle of Merrill, Kan.
Luther College, a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Church in America, is located in Decorah, Iowa. The Norse compete in 10 men’s and nine women’s intercollegiate sports.
As a member of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) since 1922, the men have won 137 conference championships. In 1982, the IIAC expanded its championship sponsorship to included women’s sports. During this time frame, the women have won 51 championships. Combined, the Norse have won an unmatched 188 IIAC titles.
More information on Luther athletics can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://sports.luther.edu.
