Overall, this was a highly successful year for Team Kansas.  We brought home six freestyle All Americans (including two national champions) and eight Greco Roman All Americans (including one national champion).  This was the first year since 1986 that we had two Cadet freestyle national champions, and ties the record for the most Junior Greco Roman All Americans (at six).

We had a great coaching staff, who worked hard to make this a positive, rewarding experience for all of our kids:

Mike Garcia, Junior Director
Richard Fergola, Cadet Co-Director
Kit Harris, Cadet Co-Director
Jason Blanding
Bobby Bovaird
Shawn Bunch
Dennis Charbonneau
Kevin Klemm
Gonz Medina
Tom Peterman
Scott Rieck
Dusty Spaulding
Kenny Taylor

I have several additional pictures that were taken at Fargo, that I haven't had the opportunity to complete processing and posting into the Photo Gallery.  Please check back here later for additional pictures (click on the Photo Gallery links at the top of the page).

Randy Hinderliter and I hope that you enjoyed the reporting from Fargo, and appreciate the thanks and other comments that we've received.

In the 5th place match at 84-pounds it was Donny Altman facing George Gogonas from Texas. In the first period it was the Texan taking the lead, 0-3. By now, you probably know that Donny is our resident expert in the head-and-arm and our expert would not let us down. He threw the Texan and he pinned the Texan. Donny Altman earns the 5th place plaque to go along with his national title!

Joseph Cornejo faced a familiar opponent. Back on this past Saturday, in his very first match, Joe lost to Brandon Sitch from Washington. After that loss, Joe has won 18 straight matches. As this match started, both wrestlers scored the single-point takedown but Sitch also managed a hand-to-hand ankle lace. Sitch held the 1-2 lead for much of the second frame but was charged with passivity with just 40 seconds left. Joe worked for the 2-point tilt but picked up another point as his opponent tried to stop it by going to the head with two hands. It was Cornejo riding out the last 15 seconds. Joseph Cornejo, All-American, and National Champion!

The 152-pound weight class would be contested between Neil Erisman and Jake Kerr of Iowa. Perhaps Neil had learned a lesson earlier in this tournament. Neil was handed a golden opportunity that he would not let pass. From the opening whistle, it was Neil forcing his offense. It is hard to mount an offense when all you can do is dodge bullets and fight your way off your back. And that is exactly what Kerr found himself doing. Neil clearly dominated this match, scoring a 3-point toss, a 3+1 head-and-arm, and a trapped arm gut for the final 2+1. Neil Erisman is a Freestyle National Champion!

Altman #2223
I joined this match in progress with Donny Altman trailing New York at the end of the first period by the count of 3-7. Early in the second, it was New York extending the lead with a 3-point takedown. Donny gained 2 on the reversal and gave up 1 on the reversal as his opponent scored again. With the score now 5-11 Donny would give 2 more on a tilt. On their feet Donny scored a 1-point takedown and a 1-point ankle lace. Donny lost this match, 7-13.

Cornejo #2245
It was center stage for Joseph Cornejo as he faced a wrestler from Oregon and Joseph would really shine on the elevated platform. Joe scored for the first takedown and in par terre, the Duck would not “open up.” After a couple of warnings from the ref to open, we would find out why he was so reluctant. The Oregonian had no answer for Joseph’s offense. The result, an 11-1 technical fall, early in the 2nd. This win insured Joseph Cornejo would be in the championship finals. His opponent would be the wrestler from Washington that handed him his only loss of the entire week.

Erisman #2259
I was running across the arena, well … I was hurrying, to arrive at the mat where Neil Erisman held a 2-0 lead over a foe from Idaho. The second period began and Neil opened his offense up. It was Neil Erisman in convincing fashion, 8 to 1. Neil knew going in, that in spite of his earlier loss, that a win in this match would mean that he would also be in the championship match.

Metzler #1469
Seth Metzler’s next opponent would be from California. As the match started, his opponent was in deep on the single-leg and it was great defense to not allow any points. It was Seth with the takedown and a 2-point tilt as the action took the wrestlers out-of-bounds. The whistle blew for the re-start and would soon blow again, as Seth used his trapped-arm-gut to earn the tech fall with 1.10 remaining.

Gardner #1521
In this bout we have Tanner Gardner facing Joey Slaton from Iowa. Sometimes, at this level of competition, wrestlers can expose a weakness in their opponents. Not only did Slaton expose a weakness in Tanner’s defense, he capitalized on it. Slaton used six takedowns and a couple of tilts to earn the 0-10 technical fall.

Elliott #1532
Minnesota provides the next opponent for Tim Elliott. In an action packed match it was Tim taking a 16-8 lead before he managed to pin his opponent.

McCormick #1537
We traveled to Indiana to find Tyler McCormick’s next opponent. Both wrestlers managed a 1-point takedown but the Hoosier went ahead as he scored a second. As the first period neared a close, it was Tyler on the front-head-pinch, but some great defense thwarted any score. In the second, the Hoosier scored a takedown and 2-point gut. From their feet Tyler gave 2 more takedowns and a 2-point gut. A late takedown by McCormick did not lead to anymore scores and Tyler lost this match, 2-8.

Grater #1597
I joined this match in progress as with 1.30 left in the match, Danny Grater held a 4-1 lead. A late passivity put Danny defending the par terre which was able to do. The match ended with Danny winning, 5-1.

Hart #1667
Phil Hart would take his turn battling a Hoosier. Phil used a takedown and a trapped arm gut to take the early, 3-0 lead. The Hoosier scored on a takedown of his own and then Phil again on a takedown and gut to take the 6-1 lead. As the next period began, it was both wrestlers trading 1-point takedowns. Phil Hart wins the match, 7-2.

Metzler #1734
In this matchup, Seth Metlzer did not waste much time, as he earned the fall against an opponent from New Jersey. The time of the fall, 1.02.

McCormick #1768
In this bout, Tyler McCormick drew Mack Reiter from Iowa. Reiter had convincingly defeated everyone he has wrestled and that would be the case in this match. Tyler lost by fall with only 28 seconds elapsed.

Grater #1829
From the land of Oklahoma we find Danny Grater’s next opponent. Danny used a beautiful single-leg to score 3 straight takedowns. When you toss a couple to guts and tilts, you have Danny winning by the score of 9-2.

Taplin #1866
There is not a whole lot of finesse in any match involving Ross Taplin. Ross likes a physical match and found an opponent from Oklahoma, much to his liking. Ross scored first on the bear-hug and took the Sooner to his back for the 5-count and then used the snake to secure another hold down. Ross led 7-0 as the first period ended. The second began and Ross scored on the go-behind and a 2-point gut to the earn the tech fall.

Metzler #1925
Once again it was Seth Metzler earning a convincing technical fall. An opponent from Texas only offered slight resistance as the final score was 13-3.

Elliott #1944
Nebraska would provide a challenger for Tim Elliott in this bout. The Husker took the early lead at 0 to 3, but a flurry later, Tim had closed it to 4-5. But this would be as close as Tim could manage as the Husker won the match, 9-16. This is Tim Elliott’s second loss and means he is out of the tourney. But, I have a feeling Tim will be back and I expect big things from him in the future.

Grater #1978
Illinois supplied the next opponent for Danny Grater. After Illinois scored the early 3-point takedown, Danny fought valiantly, but couldn’t get anything going. Danny lost by technical fall, 0-10.

Taplin #2001
A genuine challenge faced Ross Taplin in a foe from Maryland. The Terrapin matched Ross and the score at the end of regulation was 1 to 1. In overtime the wrestler’s had to “clinch” as Ross won the “clinch” with a 3-point throw.

Metzler #2043
With a trip to the finals on the line, it was Seth Metzler facing an opponent from Pennsylvania. As light-weights tend to do at times, they flurry and score faster than I can keep up with. It is especially difficult, when you have to take notes! A flurry did happen in this match and the way I saw it, Seth had the 5 to 3 lead. At the table, those much wiser than I, determined that the score was 7 to 1. From that point on, the match wasn’t to last much longer. Metzler earns a 2nd trip to the finals in Fargo.

Taplin #2076
The Juniors who started more that 30 strong were down to a precious few. One of the few was Ross Taplin. In this bout he faced a wrester from Pennsylvania. Ross would score in this bout but not as his normal pace. It was Pennsylvania earning the 4 to 11 win. Ross suffers his first loss.

Grater #2078
Much as Tyler McCormick did, Danny Grater probably had the worst possible pairing for himself as he drew Brent Metcalf for Michigan. Metcalf had beaten Danny in the Greco action on his way to being the National Champ. Unfortunately for Grater, this time, a loss who eliminate him from the tourney. Danny lost by technical fall in the second period.

Details on the matches will follow later.

Six Juniors remain in contention at the end of their session.  Seth Metzler, Danny Grater and Ross Taplin are undefeated, while Tim Elliott, Tanner Gardner and Phil Hart each have a single loss.  The next Junior session will determine who will qualify as 2003 All Americans.

updated on
July 25
1:00 a.m.

The Juniors had a really rough day, with an overall record of 31 wins & 52 losses.  However, they still have 12 of 36 going into Session III, five of whom are undefeated.  The results pages for the Cadets & Juniors have been updated.

 Cadets 

Cisper #1918
Neil Cisper was matched against an opponent from Missouri in this next round of the tournament. Neil would give the Showme the first takedown but reversed the position to keep the score tied. There was a lot of action but no more score as the first period came to a close. Neil was in on a leg to start the second but his foe put the front-head-pinch on and turned Neil for the 3-pointer. The action continued without Neil penetrating Missouri’s defense. Of course his defense was largely, “backing up” which did cost him a flee-point late in the contest. Neil loses the decision, 2-4.

Shumate #1949
An opponent from Iowa was fine with Nick Shumate in this match. Nick had built up the 9-0 lead before he pinned the Iowan at 53 seconds remaining in the first.

Altman #1957
Donny Altman fell behind early in this match, giving up the first takedown, but it was the last time he trailed his opponent from Indiana.  Donny countered a leg shot by scoring on two tilts before giving up the takedown, moving to a 4-2 lead.  Not learning a lesson, Indiana tried another leg shot, which Donny used for yet another tilt, taking a 6-2 lead into the second period.  The rest of the match belonged entirely to Donny, as he scored on a takedown, a 2 pt gut, and a final takedown, securing a 9-3 victory.

Moses #1987
Illinois was the opponent for Chase Moses in this bout. Chase took a commanding 9-point lead before he managed the 1-point takedown as the first-period ended. Chase was in “coasting” mode and coasted too long. At the end of regulation it was 9 to 9. In overtime, it was Chase Moses scoring on the crotch lift to win the match.

Cornejo #2015
Joseph Cornejo would never trail his foe from Idaho. In fact, his opponent would not manage a single-point. Joe wins, 11-0.

Kearn #2038
This match was wrestled on the high profile Mat #1, giving Chris Sutton-Kearn a chance to showcase his talents.  Unfortunately, he came up short in a takedown duel, giving up four takedowns and a reversal.  Chris was almost able to pull out the win with a copy of late crotch throws, taking the match into overtime with a 4-4 score, but lost the final takedown in overtime.

Erisman #2049
The march would continue for Neil Erisman as he was pitted against an opponent from New York. Neil used a lot of maneuvers; including single legs, ankle laces, trapped arm guts, and a knee pick to earn the 11-0 win.

Shumate #2085
In case you haven’t noticed, we have two Cadet wrestlers, at 84 lbs on a collision course. On one side of the bracket we have Nick Shumate who is really looking tough. Against a foe from Ohio, Nick scored the technical fall

Altman #2096
On the other side of the bracket, we have Donny Altman. But Donny first had to contend with Pennsylvania who was out to derail the Kansas plan. I arrived at this match at halftime with Donny trailing 5 to 7. In the second, it was Donny throwing the head-and-arm which his opponent successfully countered earning the takedown. The score was 5-8 with less than 30 seconds to go. It was going down-to-the-wire. With less than 5 seconds on the clock Donny unbelievable threw a head-and-arm that connected. He would have gotten the win, if were not for the whistle ending regulation. In overtime, Donny changed tactics and took a leg shot. Donny posted and came up under. Then it was stepping up and turning for the points and the win. WOW!

Cornejo #2135
One thing that Joseph Cornejo had not had to do was come from behind. He enjoyed that experience in this match. Joe was trailing 3-5 but used a 3-point takedown and pinned his opponent with 42 seconds to go in the first.

 Juniors 

Gardner #14
One thing I’ve noticed is that, those who have wrestled Greco, initially have a bit of a tough time defending their legs when they go to Freestyle. This was evident in Tanner Gardner and his first match against an opponent from California. Tanner gave up some leg shots in this match but it was not enough for the Californian to gain the win. Tanner wins by technical fall, 16-5.

Bingham #25
Aaron Bingham started like a house on fire in his 1st match against an opponent from Wyoming. Aaron built a 9-0 lead by the time there was a minute left in the first period. He needed just one more point but that is when the proverbial monkey jumped on his back. By the time the period ended, the lead was 9-5. In the second, Wyoming dominated the action, the opponent closed the score to 10-8, and then pinned Aaron in a cradle.

Elliott #35
Pennsylvania supplied the foe for Tim Elliott. Tim matched up pretty well on his feet but the Pennsylvanian showed his dominance in the par terre position. Tim was beaten by a technical fall, 3 to 13.

McCormick #81
When I arrived the second period was just under way and Tyler McCormick held a 2-0 lead over over his foe from Ohio. A flurry took the action out-of-bounds and Tyler was in the defensive position. Soon after the re-start, Tyler reversed the position. Back on their feet, Tyler was to suffer a takedown and 2-point gut to even the score. Once again, Tyler reversed and earned a pair of 2+1 trapped arm guts. Tyler wins!

Grater #204
This match was a blow-out as Danny Grater tech falled his opponent from Utah. Danny had built the 10-0 lead with 1.13 elapsed in the first.

Tindle #241
If it weren’t for bad luck, David Tindle would have none at all. He was paired with Eric Tannenbaum, a superior talent from Illinois. David put forth an effort but Tannenbaum still tech falled him in the first period.

Gilliland #265
It was Michigan who would supply the wrestler for Matt Gilliland in his first round match. Perhaps Matt wished he wouldn’t have to start with one so tough. Gilliland is an accomplished scholastic wrestler to say the least but today we were wrestling Freestyle. Matt would suffer the loss by tech fall in the 1st period.

Luedke #296
We visited New Mexico for Eric Luedke’s first match. I joined this match with 1 minute left in the first period and Eric trailing 1-3. Eric was in the defensive position and gave up the 2+1 gut and then another 2+1. This put Eric down 1-9 as the period ended. As the next frame began, it was both wrestlers scoring 2-points. Then as the bout was winding down, Eric had his opponents locked up in a cradle, and there was a tilt. The referee stopped the action and a big debate began. The result was, that though Eric had the cradle locked his opponent initiated the action. A disappointing loss for Eric by a 5-15 count. I am not saying that Eric should have won the match, after all he was trailing by 8, but the decision did not make sense to this on-looker.

Taplin #324
Ross Taplin built a big lead against an opponent from Indiana. Ross started with a 3-point takedown and a 2-point gut early in this match. As the period was winding down, Ross scored again with an inside-trip to pull ahead, 6-0. As the next started, it was Ross again with a 2-point takedown. With a comfortable lead, Ross gave up a 1-point takedown but that was quickly erased as Ross gained a 2-point reversal. The Hoosier scored again on the takedown and a 2-point tilt but came no closer. Taplin wins, 10-4.

Fitzgerald #365
Connecticut would challenge Conner Fitzgerald in his opening match. His foe took the early lead with a takedown, a hand-to-hand gut, a 2-point tilt and another takedown. Then when his opponent shot again it was Fitz hitting a 2-points as he monkey-roll. The periods changed and Fitz gave 3, on a takedown. Defending the par terre Conner earned a reversal with exposure and then a turn and hold for the 2+1. The lead was a very manageable 7-9 and it would get slightly crazy before the end of the match. I’ll just say several points were scored in the last 20 seconds and when the dust had cleared, Conner lost by the score of 11 to 12.

Medill #402
Michigan was the opponent for Troy Medill. The Greco All-American would lose a close match, 3-6. Troy, who moved up a weight class, needs to find the same magic we had earlier in the week.

Monks #443
It was Adam Monks scoring the decisive technical fall over an opponent from Kentucky. In the first period, Kentucky was charged with passivity and was put in the defensive position. But this was an offensive position for Adam as he quickly tilted, tipped, and held his victim.

Metzler #525
New York was alright with Seth Metzler as gained a convincing win. Using a variety of takedowns and gut wrenches he wrapped up the 11-0 win in the second period.

Gardner #581
We added a little international flavor as Tanner Gardner’s next opponent was from Puerto Rico. Tanner made short work as he pinned his foe 1.44 seconds into the match.

Elsrode #623
Oregon was the foe for Daniel “Chino” Elsrode and it turned out Oregon was a dominant one. Chino lost by a technical fall in the first period.

Bahe #665
Blayze Bahe returned to his winning ways in this match up against Georgia. Blayze took his opponent down and tilted and held him 3 consecutive times for the 10-0 win only 53 seconds into the match.

Prater #674
I joined this match in progress as Daniel Prater was facing a foe from the Showme State. With two minutes to go in the match, Daniel held the 11-7 lead. In the remaining match they both scored the 1-point takedown as Prater won the match.

Grater #731
It was West Virginia’s turn to compete against Danny Grater, and it was West Virginia to lose by tech fall.

Clayton #748
Nick Clayton found the opponent from Maine a bit too tough to handle. We gave up two single-point takedowns before he would give up the three-pointer. Maine earned the fall with 15 seconds remaining in the first.

Gilliland #766
Oregon would face Matt Gilliland in his next matchup. The score at the end of the first, showed Matt trailing 1-2. But that single-point would be all that Matt could manage as he lost by tech fall.

Hart #797
North Carolina was the foe for Phil Hart in this bout. Phil allowed his opponent to score a single-point takedown but Phil gained the reversal. He caught the Tarheel on his back and quickly earned the fall only 34 seconds into the match.

McGovern #957
Nick McGovern made an early exit from this tourney with a loss to an opponent from Massachusetts. Nick was tied at 4 with his opponent but would not score another point. Nick would suffer the 4-14 loss.

Medill #997
Troy Medill also made an early exit from the tournament with a loss to Indiana. Troy, who had moved up a weight class, looked a bit lethargic as he suffered the fall.

Monks #1010
A wrestler from Nevada took Adam Monks to school in this match. Adam could do little to stop the superior ankle picks and low-level singles that Nevada had. Twice, Adam had a front-head-lock, and twice the Nevada wrestler still shot the low single. Adam did take the mat into the 2nd period before he lost by technical fall.

Metzler #1092
Seth Metzler was matched with a foe from Utah. Seth treated this opponent like he had done with all the others to this point, earning the tech fall in 58 seconds.

Cordts #1106
Minnesota proved to be too much for Tyler Cordts. Tyler had no luck with his opponent who earned the fall at 1.12 seconds.

Gardner #1145
Michigan suffered the same fate as so many who wrestler Tanner Gardner. Tanner beat him by technical fall.

Garcia #1181
Iowa was next up for Cody Garcia. Cody tried by could not mount an offense against the Iowan and unfortunately had no defense against him either. Cody loses by tech fall, 1-12.

Prater #1207
Daniel Prater faced an opponent from Pennsylvania. Daniel won by fall with 2.32 remaining in the 2nd period.

Kriegbaum #1218
With 1-minute left in this match, Jake Kriegbaum held a 9-6 lead over an opponent from Indiana. On their feet the Hoosier did score the 1-point takedown. With less than 15 seconds to go, Jake’s gut defense was going to be tested. With about 3 seconds remaining, Jake succumbed to the pressure of the gut wrench, to tie the match at 9-9. In overtime, it was Indiana scoring the 2-point takedown. Jake’s loss puts him out of this tournament.

Grater #1272
In this match, Danny Grater had to overcome a fairly tough challenge from a foe from Iowa. Danny used a 3-point throw, a 2-point gut, and a 2-point trapped arm gut to take the 7-0 lead. Danny gave up a 2-point exposure but then got it back as the whistle blew to end the period. The 9-2 lead was extended by a takedown. Back to their feet, the Iowan slipped on his throw attempt and Danny gained trapped arm and the tech fall.

Jason Schippers #1311
Jason Schippers had a valiant fight with an opponent from Indiana. Jason used a takedown to set up his trapped arm gut for the first scores of the contest. The Hoosier came back with a single-point takedown and a two-point tilt to tie the match. It was Jason’s turn; he scored a reversal and back on their feet, it was Jason with the takedown and 2-point tilt. The period ended with Jason ahead, 7-3. The second began with the Hoosier gaining the takedown and a 2-point gut that took the action out-of-bounds. Re-starting in par terre, Jason gave up another trapped arm gut for two. They were on their feet and Jason was behind for the first time in this match. When attempting to score, Jason twice, gave up 2-point tilts to make the final score, 7-12. A good effort by Jason Schippers.

Taplin #1351
This match was in progress with 1.30 left in the final frame. Ross Taplin was ahead of his New Jersey opponent by a 12-5 count. They flurried out-of-bounds and the re-start had Ross down in par terre. Ross gave up the 2-point ankle lace before he earned his feet. With time running down, Ross gave up the takedown but still wins, 12-8. Ross is undefeated in this phase of the tourney.

Bauer #78
This match opened with Tony Bauer scoring the first takedown on his opponent from Indiana. Back on his feet he scored two but gave up two. At the end of the period he held onto the 3 to 2 lead. As the second started Tony gave up the 2-point takedown but Indiana was about to take control. The Hoosier scored on a variety of 2+1 tilts to earn the tech fall.

Mundy #102
Lorenzo Mundy faced a foe from Oregon and earned the early lead against him. Using a takedown, a 2-point tilt on the back bow and another 2-point turn. Then the Duck came back with a takedown and three 2+1 tilts to take the lead, 6-10. The second period found the competitors battling for position and with 20 seconds left, Lorenzo hit a head-and-arm where he tied the match at 10 as we went to overtime. In the extra period, Oregon scored a 3-point takedown and secured the win.

Millstead #154
Virginia supplied the competition for Mark Millstead. After a takedown and a 2-point gut Mark took the lead but would not score again. Virginia scored the next takedown which was straight the back. Mark suffered the loss by fall with 1.10 remaining in the first period.

DeShazer #234
This match actually took place after the #245 bout and featured Tristen DeShazer facing an opponent from Ohio. Things looked bleak for a big portion of the bout. The Buckeye scored the first takedown and earned 2 more points on the gut. The period ended with Tristen down, 0-3. In the second period the Buckeye kept the pressure on and gained a point when Tristen was charged with fleeing. Tristen fought of his belly and then threw the head-and-arm. The Buckeye was on his back and Tristen earned the fall with 46 seconds remaining.

Loyd #245
Team Kansas needed someone to break the ice, at least in the matches I was covering, and that task fell on Dylan Loyd. Dylan looked to be up to the task as he scored the first takedown, followed by another, and had a 2-point leg lace to take the 4-0 score over a foe from New York. In the neutral position Dylan scored a 3-point takedown but gave up the 2-point reversal. Then the New Yorker scored 2 more on a tilt. Just when it looked like his opponent might have something going his way, Dylan reversed the position, locked up a cradle, and won by fall. Whew!

Cornejo #254
A first round loss would not be repeated as Joseph Cornejo put his opponent from Virginia on his back. He earned the fall only 44 seconds into the match.

Baker #292
West Virginia was the home state for the wrestler that battled Tyler Baker. The Mountaineer was the first to shoot but was effectively stopped bb Baker who used the monkey roll to score 2+2 and then manage a 2-point tilt to take the 6-0 lead. His opponent would score the reversal but Tyler would shut him out from this point on. The next period saw a couple of takedowns and a tilt and a 2+1 high gut. The final score was 12 to 1. Baker wins.

Miller #370
Mike Miller faced off against Virginia in this next bout. Mike used a pair of takedowns and a 2+1 tilt in the first period to take the 5-0 lead. At the start of the second, Mike scored again on the 1-point takedown, a 2-point ankle lace, and finally a 2+1 on the arm bar and picked wrist. Miller wins by technical fall.

Bailes #389
Mathew Bailes could not have timed his scoring much better, as he secured the 11-0 decision with only one second remaining in the first period.

Erisman #448
Neil Erisman opened his campaign against a wrester from Maryland. It was Neil scoring first on a takedown and a 2-point high gut which took the action out-of-bounds. The re-start had Erisman scoring another 2-point gut. From neutral it was Neil again on a takedown with exposure to take the 7-0 lead at the end of the period. This is all the scoring Neil would manage as the Terrapin did score on a pair of single point takedowns. Erisman wins with a score of, 7-2.

Monegro #459
With only 30 seconds remaining, Alexandro Monegro managed to score the points necessary to tie the match and send it into overtime, which he won by a score of 4-3.

Nightengale #474
Illinois would supply a wrestler as Courtney Nightengale opened his campaign.
Courtney marched all over this competitor as he would shut out his opponent, scoring a 12-0 tech fall.

Born #498
This match was already in progress. The second frame opened with Calen Born trailing 6-7. Calen fell behind further giving up 2-point takedown. On their feet, Calen countered the takedown, scoring on a pair of tilts and taking a 10-9 lead. On top in the par terre position, Calen scored 2+1 on a gut but then gave up a 2-point reversal. That made the lead 13-11 with 10 seconds to go. Calen then gave up the 1-point hand-to-hand gut but Calen still wins.

Cisper #518
I arrived at this match in time to see Neil Cisper defeat an opponent from Ohio by a score of 9 to 1.

Mundy #590
After falling behind early Lorenzo Mundy fought hard to get back into the match, and was able to claim the lead, but came up a little short in the end. After giving up a 3-point takedown, he shot in on a single leg, and paid the price for holding onto it when he was hit with a crotch throw. After giving up the two points, he did manage to use the single leg to finish the takedown, cutting his deficit to 1-5. He then used a lace for two points, but gave up two points when he was caught on his back as he tried to use a gut wrench. Then Lorenzo put on his surge, scoring on high guts and taking a 9-7 lead. Unfortunately, he then returned to his single leg, leaving his hips high & exposed. Two times his opponent managed to tilt him, as he hung onto the leg, costing him a 9-11 decision.

Millstead #661
It looked like the match might be over quickly, as Mark Millstead was thrown to his back with a tight head & arm. However, showing amazing determination, he managed to avoid the fall, and ultimately fight off of his back, and gain a reversal in the process. Once back on their feet, Mark tried to stay aggressive, but gave up another three points to a front headlock. Mark cut into the lead as he secured a takedown, but fell even further behind as he gave up another head & arm, ending the first period behind 2-10. The second period did not have as many scoring moves, with an armspin for 1 point, and a gut wrench, both of which were scored by his opponent, costing Mark at 2-13 decision.

Woodford #698
Arizona supplied the foe for Jeb Woodford. Jeb would not find the opponent very hard to handle as he scored a first period technical fall. Jeb used a takedown, earned 2+1 on a tilt, and scored a 2+1 trapped arm gut. After they were put back on their feet, it was a takedown and a tilt for the win.

Adcock #717
Tyler Adcock ended the tournament when he suffered an injury in this bout. Trailing by only one, Tyler went down awkwardly with his leg tangled in his opponents.

Cornejo #781
Joseph Cornejo is really looking sharp as he scored the first period fall against an opponent from Minnesota.

Baker #787
Tyler Baker suffered his first loss in this phase of the tourney losing by a technical fall to Connecticut.

Bailes #898
With one minute left in this match, Matt Bailes was trailing an opponent from Iowa by a score of 10-12. Matt had a couple of great opportunities at scoring the win but in his flurry ended up giving a 3+1 takedown. Matt loses 10-16.

Erisman #970
California was the opponent but no competition as Neil Erisman earned at 12-0 tech fall, utilizing a combination of tight-arm guts and ankle laces.

Altman #974
The State of Maine would prove to have a formidable for for Donny Altman. Donny gave up the first takedown but managed a 2-point reversal as they went out-of-bounds. After the re-start they were put back on their feet his opposition managed the tying takedown. The second period began with the Mainer again scoring the single-point takedown. Donny found himself back on his feet with 25 seconds left. For some reason, the Mainer decided to tie up with the recently crowed Greco champ, and he paid for judgment. Donny threw the head-and-arm to earn 3+1 and win the match 6 to 3.

Budd #992
Brandon Budd faced off with a wrestler from Iowa. Brandon was down early as the Iowan built a 5-point lead. Brandon closed the gap with a 2-point tilt and erased the gap completely as he whipped over the whizzer for 3 as the second period got underway. Brandon had all the appearances of making a charge but the Iowan had something to say about that. The Iowan scored on the 1-point takedown and a 1-point hand-to-hand gut took the action out-of-bounds. After the re-start it was Brandon being lifted and turned for 3-points. Brandon Budd loses the 5-12 decision.

Moses #1104
Chase Moses earned an 8 to 4 win over his foe from Virginia. After the opening flurry they managed to remain tied at 2-2. Chase did go ahead shortly after on the reversal. They again exchanged scores, Chase gaining 3 and the Cavalier 2. Chase would score again on a 2-point gut. Late in the match Chase managed another 2-point takedown to seal the win.

Nothern #1134
“He was that close” … might well sum up Nick Nothern and his battle with a foe from New Jersey. At the end of regulation, the only points that had been scored belonged to the Jersey boy. Since 3-points are necessary for win, this had to be settled in overtime. And since they were equal on passivities, the “clinch” would decide the match. New Jersey got to lock first and perhaps Nick was not in the best position to lock. Seconds after the whistle blew, Nick was taken to his back. A heart breaking loss for Nick Nothern.

Baker #1190
Needing a win to stay in the tournament, Tyler Baker faced off with North Dakota. After a takedown, an ankle lace, and a gut Tyler was in the hole, 0-4. After successfully defending the par terre, the home-stater scored again on the takedown and a gut. Re-starting from par terre Tyler was further behind after a successful gut. Baker was behind by the count of 0-9 as the period ended and it was now or never. The whistle blew and North Dakota was on the attack. Tyler did a great job fending off attempts and managed to score himself. He tried valiantly but it was too late. Baker loses by a score of 3-13 and is out of the tourney.

Bailes #1250
Montana supplied the next competition for Matt Bailes and he would prove very formidable. As the whistle blew to end the first period, Matt was trailing, 0-9. The second had Matt dodging bullets as he nearly gave up the winning takedown on two or three occasions. It was Montana in a one last shot when magically, Bailes tossed the Big Skyer to his back and earned the fall.

Malay #1403
Michael Malay was wrestling against Indiana but the wrestling didn’t last long. The Hoosier took Michael down with a 3-pointer and the back arching into the gut, pressed Michael’s shoulders down.

Perez #1435
We were in the midst of a tuff stretch with guys seeing the end to their tourney bids. Larry Perez looked to end that streak against Illinois. Larry was wrestling hard but gave up the 2-point takedown and quick gut to trail by 4. Back on their feet, it was another takedown to make it 0-5, and another 3-point takedown. Down by 8, Larry gave up one last 2-point gut. Larry Perez put forth a good effort.

Loyd #1535
The streak continued as Dylan Loyd was the victim of a first period fall. Dylan Loyd won a few matches this week but is probably still a bit disappointed.

Stafford #1559
Grant Stafford got Team Kansas back on the winning way. Just into the second period, Grant earned the tech fall over an opponent from Montana.

Sutton-Kern #1598
It was Chris Sutton-Kern scoring on a sweet slide-by in the matchup against Washington State. Chris followed that up with 2-point gut, a 2+1 tilt and another 2+1 tilt. One last gut, at Chris had earned the victory. Sometimes I am just amazed by Chris’s ability. In this match … I was amazed!

Bailes #1619
This tournament came to end for Matt Bailes as he faced New York. Matt shows flashes of brilliance and won a few matches in his first trip to Fargo. Matt was never really in this match and tried to pull another rabbit from his hat, but it was not to be. Matt loses, 5-15.

Neil # 1645
Neil Erisman fell behind early in this match with Greco Roman runner-up Paul Vasquez of Arizona, needing nearly the entire match to even things up into an 11-11 tie. Once in overtime, he tilted Vasquez, earning a very hard-fought 13-11 victory.

Roe #1696
Ryan Roe faced an opponent from South Dakota in this bout. Ryan earned his first-point on his opponent fleeing while under attack. From the par terre he scored on a gut that took them out-of-bound and the re-start had him scoring on the gut again. Ryan took this 5-point lead into the second period where some great defense against his opponent was on display. His opponent did manage a late takedown but that was it. Ryan Roe wins by the score of 5 to 1.

Shumate #1747
Washington State was next in line for Nick Shumate. Nick has really been looking sharp, after a disappointing Greco tournament. That coupled with a change in weight classes seems to be the right step. First, Nick scored 2-points on the head pinch and then used a half-nelson to expose his opponent. Nick then went to the arm bar to get another tilt before he pinned his foe with 39 seconds remaining in the first.

Moses #1803
The Hawkeye State provided the competition for Chase Moses in his next match. I joined the match in progress with Chase leading, 6-2. It was well into the second period and Chase was defending. In a defensive lapse, Chase gave up a 3+1 takedown. The overtime period saw better defense by Chase as he used the crotch lift to win.

Cornejo #1773
One wrestler who has been having a fantastic week is Joseph Cornejo. That would continue as he faced off with a competitor from Arizona. Joseph was locked up with his foe in the over-and-under battling for position. Joe hit a gorgeous hip-toss and gained the 3+1 edge. Back on his feet, it was Joe scoring again on the 1-point takedown and the 2+1 tilt. Before the first period ended, Cornejo scored once again, taking the 9-0 lead. The Arizona wrestler was a pretty good one but Joe countered every attempt he made. Finally it was Joseph scoring the decisive point with 1.06 to go in the second.

Erisman #1889
New Jersey would take their shot at handing Neil Erisman his first loss of the tourney. They would fail miserably. Neil was as intense as ever in chalking up a technical fall in the second frame. Erisman looks to be staking a claim against the competition.

98 lbs. Championship Match
In this bout for the National Championship we had Seth Metzler facing Joe Weygand of Pennsylvania. Seth fell behind early as he was caught in a head- and-arm for a 3+1. Then Weygand lifted Seth and to prevent the throw, Seth committed the 2-point leg-foul as they were going out-of-bounds. The action returned to the center where Seth gave up a 2-point gut. The match was barely a minute old and Metzler was already trailing by 8-points. But back on their feet, Seth did manage to score on a single-point takedown and 2-point trapped arm gut. The first period ended with Weygand successfully countering Metzler’s attempted ducks and Metzler avoiding Weygand’s head-and-arms.

The second started with Seth scoring a simple takedown and he did it again. The score was starting to tighten a bit, 5 to 8, and with about 0.46, Weygand was charged with passivity. Seth was trying everything but could not earn a turn. With 0.15 remaining the wrestlers were back on their feet and Seth scored a 1-point takedown and nearly had the tying tilt. Unfortunately, the whistle blew and Seth Metzler had lost by a 6 to 8 decision. Metzler claims the second step on the All-American podium.

119 lbs. 5th place
The state of Iowa provided the competition for Tanner Gardner in this bout. Tanner took the early lead scoring 3-points off of the arm throw. Back to neutral, Tanner attempted a throw and slipped down but gained the reversal. Then it was another attempted throw by Tanner and another reversal, just before the end of the period. At this point we had quite a break as the officials were debating how to score the activity. It ended up being 5 to 1, Tanner. The whistle blew, starting the second, and after quite an exchange, the Hawkeye scored a takedown and then the 2+1 tilt. There was a minute left and the score was tied at 5 but the action was far from over. Tanner scored a 3-point takedown but in the scramble lost control. Tanner again initiated the action and scored two but gave up two and then gave up a tilt for two. WOW! The whistle blew ending the match. The points were tallied. Tanner Gardner wins, 10-9. Tanner, an All-American, earns 5th place.

125 lbs, 5th place
I am not sure anybody in the Kansas contingent wanted to see this matchup but Jake Kriegbaum faced Blayze Bahe in this bout. And, it really was quite a match. Jake scored the first takedown but was quickly reversed by Blayze. Blayze’s par terre offense had steadily improved in this tournament and he scored with a 2-pointer on the high gut and two more as Jake fouled. The re-start set off a real flurry with Blayze gaining a 2+1 and another 2-pointer. But Jake gained a reversal and gained points for a lift with exposure. This was the same mat that Tanner’s match occurred with the same referee’s in different spots. So, we had another big debate. The outcome was 4-11 with Blayze leading. Whew! From their feet, Jake earned the takedown and Blayze displayed some great “D” and fought off Jake’s attempts to tilt him. The period ended.

The second saw Bahe attempt the head-and-arm which Kriegbaum successfully countered for one and then Jake gained 2+1 on the high gut. The ref stopped the action as Jake was bleeding from the lip. Jake was trailing Blayze, 9 to 11. Jake managed one more takedown to end the match.
The score was Kriegbaum 10 and Bahe 11. A great match by two All-Americans.

140 lbs. 5th place match
Danny Grater wrestled an opponent from New York in this bout. Grater fell behind early in this match as the New Yorker scored 3+1 on the takedown and another 2, on the gut. Back in neutral Danny put a halt to the run by scoring 3-points on a throw and then opened things up, lifting and exposing his opponent two times for 3+1, and a 2-point gut. WOW! Danny was now ahead, 13-6. It looked as though Danny was going to close it out as he again threw his opponent for 3 but was immediately rolled through for 2. The score was now 16 to 8. The New Yorker took his turn, as he scored a 3+1 on Grater. The period mercifully ended with Danny ahead, 16-12. As the next period began, it was Danny getting 2-points for a takedown, 2+1 and 2 on the gut. Danny Grater earns his 5th place finish and All-American status with the 23-12 victory.

171 lbs. 7th place match
Maryland provided for competitor for Troy Medill. This match featured two titans battling for supremacy. Troy scored first on the front-head-lock and roll through but his opponent reversed him as they went out-of-bounds. Troy was trailing 2-3. Troy did gain the tying takedown and went ahead with a 2-point high gut as the period ended. It was the Terrapins turn as he gained a 3-point takedown. Back in the neutral position, Troy locked up the front-head-lock, this time earning 3-points. With an 8 to 6 lead, Medill with a 3-point takedown and 2-points on the high gut to seal the win at 13 to 6. Troy Medill won the Battle of the Titans and is an All-American.

Gardner #1614
I joined this match in progress where Tanner Gardner was tied at 3 with an opponent from Nebraska. At the start of the second period both wrestlers were battling for position, taking turns controlling the 2-on-1 tie up. Tanner tried throwing a head-and-arm which was effectively countered for a 1-point advantage for the Husker. Tanner was pressing the action and hit a nice slide by that was countered but immediately went to the duck under. The flurry of action continued and they went out-of-bounds. A discussion ensued and Tanner was awarded 1-point but the Husker was awarded 2 and held the trailing 4 to 6, we had a mad dash to the finish. Tanner scored the reversal but in his attempt to turn his opponent, he gave up a 2-point reversal. Gardner loses by the score of 5 to 8.

Bahe #1616
One had to be anxious, wondering if the ride for Blayze Bahe, was going to continue. He faced a foe from Oklahoma who went ahead with the first takedown. Bahe managed a reversal and a 2-point gut to take the 3-1 lead. Back on their feet, it was Blayze attempting a head-and-arm. It was ruled a slip and Blayze did a great job of defending from par terre. He earned his feet but has taken down by the Sooner's head-and-arm. Blayze had fought off his back at least three times in his previous matches but the Sooner had Blayze in a vise. Bahe loses by fall at 0.47 in the first.

Kriegbaum #1617
It was the podium for Jake Kriegbaum and his match against Florida. This match was a real battle and Jake earned the first superior position in par terre when a flurry took the wrestlers out-of-bounds. They were back in the neutral position, after Jake couldn’t turn his opponent. The first passivity call was at 0.56. The Floridian had tough D and they were back up. As the clock was winding down the period, the Floridian flurried for a takedown and 2-point gut and Jake got the reversal. Jake was trailing at the end of the first period, 1-3. As the second started, Jake was really pressing the action and was warned for snapping the head and cupping the chin. The match continued and again stopped. This time Jake gave up 1-point for the same maneuver. From par terre, the Floridian lifted and launched Jake for a 5+1 and Jake trailed 1-8. This built even more fire in Kriegbaum and he did manage to score 3 more points but we lost by the 4-8 decision.

Grater #1623
As they were just beginning the second period, I joined this match, where Danny Grater was facing a foe from California. Danny had the lead, 4 to 3. In the second it was Grater hitting a sweet duck under and took the opponent straight to his back, gaining 3-points. Back of their feet, it was the Californian hooking a far arm head lock for a 3+1. This evened the match at 7. In this back-and-forth battle, it was Danny’s turn and he took his opponent down with a conventional head-and-arm. Danny was not convinced he wanted to trade scores as he earned the fall with 0.12 remaining in the match.

Whew! This was the first win of a real tough session for the Juniors!

Metzler #1641
Washington State provided the competition for Seth Metzler in his first match of the session. It was Seth hitting his patented duck-under for the takedown which he followed up with a dramatic lift and throw for the 5+1. His foe was pressing and went down to the mat after a failed throw. From here, Seth sealed the deal, with the trapped arm gut, for a 2+1. Metzler wins by technical fall at 2.40.

Bahe #1648
We visit the Buckeye State for Blayze Bahe’s next opponent. This ended up being an interesting match, as 31-points, were going to be scored, and only 1-point from their feet. Both wrestlers were hand-fighting for a dominant hold in the early part of this match. The referee was dissatisfied with the action from Blayze and the Buckeye put him in the par terre position. The Buckeye used a lift with exposure, a 2+1 tilt, and another 3-point lift to take a 9-point lead. With a 10-point advantage a wrestler earns the tech fall and with that possibility facing Bahe, he scrambled, gaining the superior position in par terre as they re-started in the middle. Bahe lifted his foe with a high gut, scoring 3+1 and then did it again! Blayze scored 3 more as the clock ended the first period with the score 10-9 in favor of Bahe. The takedown proved to be the deciding factor as the second period began. Unfortunately, it was scored by Ohio. Bahe did a great job defending the position and earned his feet but was later charged with passivity. Ohio really pressed this dominant position and scored on a variety of lifts, turns, and tilts. About 45 seconds later, Blayze was the victim of the tech fall, 10-21. This puts Bahe in the match for 5th place. He will face … Jake Kriegbaum!

Grater #1651
A foe from New York took the action to Danny Grater. Danny never looked comfortable or confident in this match as his opponent earned the tech fall, 0-13, at 1.32 in the first. The Kansas contingent is a bit disappointed in the loss, but knowing that we have a bunch a first year Juniors claiming All-American status, they have to smile just a little.

Metzler #1662
We drove clear to North Dakota for Seth Metzler to face a foe from Missouri. The Missouri game plan seemed sound as they did not allow Seth to duck-under on the left side. But Seth foiled that plan, as he still hit his duck-under to the right. Seth went to lift and had his opponent cinched up but the lift took them out-of-bounds. Seth did earn the lift point. Back on their feet a flurry went outside the boundaries with the Showme earning top. Seth displayed great defense and regained his feet. Seth again hit his duck and earned 3+1 in the action that ended the period. Missouri was about to show he was someone to be respected as he took Seth down and then went to lift. Seth committed a 2-point leg-foul but he did prevent the throw. The score was now 6 to 3. Seth extended that using takedowns and a 2+1 trapped arm gut to win the match, 11 to 3. Seth Metzler will be trying to claim the second “stop sign” for Team Kansas.

2003 Cadet Greco Finals
84 lb Division
Donny Altman was matched against Jake Quinten from Pennsylvania on center stage for this National Championship bout. In the limelight, Donny locked up with Quinten and fought for control and position. About 30 seconds in, Donny dug under, and threw his opponent down to take the 3-point lead. Donny was trying to lift Quinten and nearly had him a couple of times. Unable to score further, the competitors were back to their feet.

Again, Altman fought for control and then hooked up a far arm headlock and scored 3 more as the whistle blew. In the second period, Donny was charged with passivity and expertly defended the par terre position. The clock counted down and Donny Altman was the 6-0 winner. A National title for Altman!

2003 Cadet Greco 3rd place match
130 lb Division
Joseph Cornejo was pitted against Lowell Switzer from Nebraska. Joseph controlled the action and the outcome never appeared in doubt. Cornejo scored the first takedown before they were back on their feet. Late in the period, Switzer had Joseph in a bodylock and was trying to take him straight over. Cornejo remained cool, took the throw, and posted wide to both sides to score 2. In the second, it was another 1-pointer for Joseph and later another. Cornejo was safely ahead before Switzer finally scored 1. Cornejo wins, 5 to 1. Joseph comes back from a first round loss and won 9 straight matches. Joseph Cornejo … All-American!

Kriegbaum #1357
Jake Kriegbaum battled a competitor from New York in his first match of the morning. Jake opened up early using a takedown, 2+1 high gut, and another 2-point gut that took the action out-of-bounds. In the center, Jake scored again on the high gut before the ref put them back on their feet. Jake secured the snake, for a 3+1, before gaining the fall 1.10.

Grater #1378
Wyoming supplied the next foe for Danny Grater. In the first, the wrestlers fought for position and it was Grater who scored 3+1 on body lock hip toss. The match ended quickly as Danny used a 2-point tilt and a lift with exposure for 3+1 to gain the tech fall with 1.48 remaining.

Medill #1425
Things were really rolling for the Juniors in this session and Troy Medill, stayed the course, as he battled a wrestler from New York. But Troy had to battle back from an early 4-point defecit. A reversal for 1 and a tilit for 2+1, followed by another 2+1, and yet another 2+1 saw Medill take the lead, 10-4. Back to the neutral position, it was the New Yorker scoring a 3-point takedown as the period closed. 10-7 was the score as the second began. A nice counter led to 1-point for Medill but that was quickly erased by a reversal. Troy countered the takedown attempt again, this time earning a 3+1 and then a 2-point tilt made to score 17-8. Then we had the New Yorker reversing the hold with exposure. Back on their feet, Troy countered one last attempt, to earn two, and the 19-10 victory.

Elliott #1469
Tim Elliott saw his dreams come to a screeching halt as he was against a foe from Pennsylvania. This match was over suddenly as the Pennsylvanian dragged his way behind Tim. Next Tim was lifted on a beautiful 5-point suplex and his opponent earned the “press fall.” The match only lasted 13 seconds.

Gardner #1466
Tanner Gardner gave up the first takedown to his opponent from Virginia. But the Cavalier wasn’t given the chance to score again. Tanner hit an arm throw for a 3+1 before he earned the fall at 1.51.

Bahe #1477
Sometimes the bout numbers get juggled in the action and while this match was going on, Kriegbaum and Altman were going too. But in this match, Blayze Bahe continued to roll, this time earning a tech fall.

Kriegbaum #1482
We traveled to Oklahoma for Jake’s next foe. The match opened very cautiously and about a minute into the period the Sooner was charged with passivity. But they returned to their feet as Jake Kriegbaum could not gain any advantage. Jake did secure a head pinch and did tilt his opponent for two as the whistle blew ending the first. Oklahoma did manage the 1-point takedown in the second. The match was winding down with Jake holding onto the 2-1 lead. Jake was again on the head pinch but with 2 seconds left, the Sooner caught Jake in a “kelly-like” tilt to gain the victory, 2-3. It was a heart breaker for Jake but only his first loss of the tourney.

Grater #1498
I joined this match in progress as Danny Grater held a 5-0 lead over an opponent from Iowa. Danny scored 2 more on a tilt and on their feet he closed the Iowan out with 3-point throw for the tech fall.

Medill #1508
Troy Medill kept going as he wrestled a foe from New York. This match was over fairly quick as Troy used a couple of takedowns and a few trapped arm guts to earn the tech fall.

Bahe #1543
North Dakota was the next to try and convince Blayze Bahe that he didn’t want to wrestle Greco. His opponent did take the early lead on a 1-point takedown. A scramble ensued and Blayze was determined to have the dominant position without earning any points. But Bahe was about to EARN some points. Blayze used the high gut to earn a 3+1 and 3 more points on a lifting turn before they were back on their feet. The wrestlers were locked up and battling for position. Blayze missed a great opportunity for a duck under but the chance came again. Blayze capitalized gaining a 3-point throw. The period ended with Bahe taking a 9-1 lead. But the match didn’t last much longer as a 1-point takedown and a 2-point gut sealed the deal. Blayze walks off the mat, shaking his head in utter amazement. Don’t tell Blayze now but with this victory, he has earned All-American status.

Kriegbaum # 1564
We join this match in progress with Jake Kriegbaum holding a 6-5 lead. A 3-point lateral saw his opponent take the lead but Jake reversed an attempted lift to score 3 of his own. Jake was back ahead, 9-8. A melee of action ensued but Jake Kreighbaum secured the win and his All-American status.

Medill #1597
Troy Medill’s next opponent was from Texas. Troy did take the early lead and held it for a good period of the match. But the Texan kept coming back and earned a fall over Medill. A disappointing loss but Troy has enough victories in the tourney to gain status as an All-American.

Gardner #1611
As does happen, I was unable to cover Tanner Gardner’s earlier loss, during which he suffered a loss. But in this match against New York, Tanner returned to his winning ways, earning a first period pin. It may not be what he wanted but Tanner earns All-American status with this win.

Altman #1802
Later this evening Donny Altman will be competing for a National Championship as he earned that opportunity with a victory over a foe from Indiana. The award is an eight-sided plaque and is affectionately known as a “stop sign.” The smallest guy on Team Kansas, Altman was already sealed his status as a man among wrestlers. In a couple of hours, he will have that answer.

Information on individual matches for this session, as well as the Cadet Session IV, are currently being compiled and will be posted later.

Gardner #861
The next challenge for Tanner Gardner came from Colorado. Tanner scored first with a 1-point takedown, a 2-point trapped arm gut, a 2-point lift and turn, 2-point trapped arm gut, followed by a melee of action and a table discussion. The results were Tanner leading, 9 to 2, to end the period. Tanner quickly disposed of the Rockie with a 3+1 arm throw. Gardner wins with a score of 13 to 2.

Bahe #867
I joined this match in progress but it appeared Blayze Bahe did not need my help as he earned the 13-3 technical fall. Bahe looks good!

Kriegbaum #882
I had missed Jake Kriegbaum’s earlier matches but I got to see all of this bout as he disposed of an opponent from New Jersey. Jake really opened up the Garden Stater using a variety of throws, guts, and tilts. Kriegbaum wins by technical superiority, 11 to 0, with 1.04 remaining in the first.

Johnson #1016
Justin Johnson looked real good early is this bout against a foe from Maryland. Justin opened up an 8-point lead only to see that slip away. The Terrapin scored the next 6-points before he earned the fall early in the second. Johnson did suffer a bit of an injury which may have contributed to the loss.

Taplin #1032
The action was just ending in the first period as Ross Taplin was trailing an opponent from Arizona, 4 to 6. In the 2nd, Ross was trying to penetrate his opponents defense without much success. Ross did manage a single point takedown but gave up a leg foul, blocking his opponent. A loss for Taplin, 5 to 8.

Medill #1051
Troy Medill's next opponent comes from Illinois. In an action packed first period, Troy found himself behind by the score of 4 to 6. As the second period whistle blew, it became obvious the Illinois had scouted Medill and was avoiding the head-and-arm. Resigning himself to that, Troy used the front head pinch to turn his opponent twice and take 8 to 6 lead. On their feet, Troy used an arm drag followed by two, 2+1 trapped arm guts to earn the technical fall, 17-6. Medill continues to impress.

Gardner #1160
Pennsylvania was the foe for Tanner Gardner. Tanner was undefeated to this point and remains so after this match. Pennsylvania did score the early takedown, successfully countering Tanner, and took a 0 to 1 lead. Back on their feet Tanner scored his own takedown and a 2-point gut. Tanner slipped on his next attempt and found himself having to defend the par terre. But Tanner can score from anywhere and he stepped over an attempt to turn him for the 6-1 lead as the first period came to a close. Gardner ended the match quickly as the second period began. He scored 3-points on an arm spin and then 3 more on the head-and-arm to secure the 12-1 victory.

Bahe #1165
As of last evening, Blayze Bahe didn’t think he wanted to wrestle Greco. The Kansas contingent is happy he changed his mind. Trailing 0 to 3, Blayze regained his feet and threw a head-and-arm. Before one knew what was going on, the ref was calling a fall and getting confirmation of the same. The reluctant one is now 4 and 0 in his matches. WOW!

Luedke #1251
Eric Luedke had to face an opponent from Pennsylvania is his next match. In the first, neither wrestler could break through the others defense. Each of them got charged with passivity and neither gained an advantadge. The whistle brought an end to this period and as is the case when there is no score after one, they started the second in the clinch. The Pennsylvanian locked first. Eric was trying to lift but stepped out-of-bounds and fell to his back while doing so. Behind 0-2 Eric was then charged with passivity and then charged with a caution. Eric gave up a late 2-point tilt to lose the match 0-5. The second heart breaking loss for Luedke.

Taplin #1269
The heartbreaks continued as Ross Taplin suffered his own tournament ending loss to an opponent from Minnesota. Ross had a lot of difficulty breaking the defenses of the Gopher and his opponent remained very cool. Ross loses, 1 to 6.

Altman #1445
We travel to New York for Donny Altman’s next opponent. Early, this match looked fairly close but Donny pressed his opponent into a passivity. Donny showed his dominance from the par terre position for a 2+1 trapped arm gut followed by another 2-point trapped arm tilt. Donny was attempting to score again when his opponent commited a 2-point leg foul. The period ended with Altman ahead, 7-0. The second opened with a flurry that led to a big discussion at the table. The outcome was Donny had given up 2-points but scored 2, to make it 9-2. Donny sealed the deal with a 3-point takedown and a 12 to 2 score.

Perez #1463
I joined this match in progress as Larry Perez was matched up with an opponent from Texas. Larry had the lead, 6 to 2, as the second period opened. The Longhorn closed the gap, using a lateral for 3-points. Then they exchanged single point takedowns to make the score 7-6. With less than 10 seconds left, Larry gave his opponent a 3-point arm spin, to lose by a 7 to 9 count. This was Larry’s second loss and knocks him out of the tourney.

Loyd #1483
Dylan Loyd was matched against a foe from Michigan. Dylan had a great run in this tournament but it came to a close when he lost this match by a tech fall.

Baker #1505
I joined this match in progress, where Tyler Baker’s was ahead of his opponent from Indiana by a 7 to 6 count. With 12 seconds remaining, Baker was a bit too passive for the ref and had to defend the balance of the clock. And defend … he did. Baker wins.

Stafford #1517
Grant Stafford bid for All-American status came to an end is the phase of the tourney as he suffered a loss to an opponent from Pennsylvania. Grant did make it exciting before losing, 2 to 5.

Altman #1579
Indiana was no match for Donny Altman in this bout. Donny took the Hoosier down with the head-and-arm and gained the fall at 0.50 remaining in the first. Altman looks good and may be our first to secure All-American status. But for some reason, I don’t think Donny will be satisfied with merely that.

DeShazer #1621
Tristen DeShazer got back on the winning track with a victory over a wrestler from Virginia. Tristen used the first period to build a 9 to 0 lead. The second period saw the Virginian scored a pair of single point takedowns but Tristen had the victory is hand.

Baker #1636
Tyler Baker is one of those wrestlers, who you really root for. This classy young man is a credit to his family, his hometown, and himself. But this match against an opponent from Missouri would be his last in the Greco-Roman tourney. Trailing in the 2nd by a 0-4 count. Baker was throwing out all the stops. Although he lost by a 2 to 5 score. A valiant effort by the young Baker.

Cornejo #1644
West Virginia was the foe for Joseph Cornejo. Joe, who suffered a loss in his first match of the tourney, has been making a supreme effort since. Knowing that his next loss may well be his last, Joe has turned that pressure into a positive. Joe earned the tech fall, 12 to 1, with 1.14 left in the second.
Though Cornejo has earned All-American status, he still has hope of being the Champion. That would be quite a feat!

Elliott #12
Tim Elliott fell behind his opponent from Louisana but then storming back. Falling behind after giving up a takedown and a 1-point gut Tim managed to reverse for 1 and gained a 2-point gut. Back on their feet Tim used a 1-point takedown, a 2+1 trapped arm, a 2-point gut, a tilt for one, and a tilt for 2 before the wrestlers were put back on their feet. The Cajun then scored a takedown and a 2-point gut to close the gap (9-5) as the period ended. As the second frame started a flurry took them out-of-bounds with Tim gaining the advantadge. From par terre Elliott 6-points on a pair of 2+1 trapped arm guts.

Elsrode #68
After scoring the first takedown, things started looking bleak for Daniel Elsrode. First, he lost two points when he was caught on his back while attempting a high gut, then he lost another two points when his opponent used his own gut wrench to turn Daniel. Things continued to go badly, when his next attempt at a takedown was countered, catching him again on his back, increasing his deficit to 1-6. Before the end of the period, however, he was able to cut into the lead when he countered his opponent’s gut wrench, earning two points before the end of the period. Unfortunately, he was unable to carry this momentum into the second period, which consisted of one 3-point move by each wrestler. Despite a gutsy performance, Daniel ended up with a 6-9 loss.

Orozco #70
Utah fielded that opponent for Simon Orozco. Simon scored first with a 1-point takedown followed by a trapped arm gut that led them out-of-bounds. Simon then earned a 2+1 and a separate 2 on trapped arm guts. But the wrestler from Louisiana scored on a reversal before they were put on their feet. Then Simon gave up a 3+1 throw, during which Simon sustained an injury, losing by fall at 0.34.

Prater #94
Daniel Prater scored a convincing first minute fall over an opponent from Maryland.

Peterson #122
In this bout Josh Peterson faced an opponent from Wisconsin. Josh scored first on a sweet slide by. Back on their feet Josh again scored on the same slide by. Josh had several opportunities in this match to score from par terre but the chances all failed. But Josh dominated this Badger from the neutral position. Peterson successfully countered subsequent attempts before he once again scored on the slide by. Peterson wins by a technical fall, 10-0.

Grater #127
Danny Grater opened his campaign with a quick victory over a foe from New York. Danny scored on a variety of takedown, turns, and tilts to score the technical fall, 14-2, with 2.15 remaining in the second period.

Clayton #185
Indiana was the first round opponent for Nick Clayton. The first period wasn’t too kind to Nick as his foe took a 0-6 lead. During the second, Nick did manage to score on three, single point takedowns. But it was too little, too late, as Nick Clayton lost 3-6.

Tindle #156
David Tindle ran into a bear of a match, as his opponent used two bear hugs to drop David to his back. Both takedowns were followed by gut wrenches (and one back point), which resulted in a 0-11 shutout.

Jason Schippers #209
This match was underway when I arrived but I did arrive in time to see Jason Schippers win this match by fall.

Matt Schippers #250
New York supplied the foe for Matt Schippers. An early scramble led to a takedown by New York. Unable to gain the turn, they were back to their feet where the New Yorker scored again. Back to their feet, Matt finally scored on a takedown of his own followed by a high gut to end the period with a 4 to 2 advantadge. In the second period there was a real exchange of points before Matt ended the scoring and put his opponents shoulders to the mat and earned the fall at 1.53.

McGovern #281
Nick McGovern opened his tournament facing a competitor from North Carolina. It was the Tarheel scoring early using a takedown, a gut wrench, trapped arm gut, and another takedown to take the 0-6 lead. Nick did score when the Tarheel was penalized for fleeing then Nick scored again, using a high gut to score twice on the 2-point turn. The score was a manageable 5-6 before the opponent scored 3-points on the takedown and 1-point on a hand-to-hand gut. McGovern loses … 5 to 10.

Medill #296
Troy Medill made very quick work of his foe from Delaware. Troy needed only 20 seconds and one head-and-arm to gain the fall.

Metzler #395
Seth Metzler used a combination of duck-unders and gut wrenches to score a decisive victory over his opponent. Although he gave up a single takedown, there was very little doubt of the outcome in this 12-1 decision.

Elliott #443
A Virginia competitor was the next foe for Tim Elliott. It was the Virginian taking the early advantage with a takedown, a gut, and another takedown to go ahead, 0-4. But Tim quickly erased that lead, using a takedown and two 2-point guts to take the 5-4 lead as the period ended. The Virginian tied the match with a takedown as the second period started. Tim returned to the lead, with a 1-point takedown, a 2-point gut, followed by another 2-point tilt. Tim did give up a late takedown but he had the win, 10-6.

Gardner #458
The march continued for Tanner Gardner as he was matched up with a wrestler from Minnesota. Tanner opened with a head-and-arm for for a 3+1 and followed that with a 2-point tilt that led them out-of-bounds. Returning to the center Tanner scored 2 more on the trapped arm gut. The Gopher did manage to score a 1-point takedown but Gardner’s par terre defense was too good. Once again, Tanner scored on the head-and-arm to earn the technical fall.

Prater #524
Sometimes there is a huge margin between kids that are good and kids that are great. Danny Prater found that out against his foe from Florida. Danny looked good on his feet but gave up the takedown to the Gator. But this is where the Gator was great. He used a 5+1 lift and suplex followed by another 3+1 lift and turn to secure the win by technical fall.

Grater #579
We traveled to the State of Michigan for Danny Grater’s next opponent. But his next opponent offered no resistance as Grater earned the quick tech fall at 2.18 left in the first.

Luedke #659
Eric Luedke faced a wrestler from the Minnesota Storm. The first period began with both wrestlers fighting for inside position and hand control. Eric was charged with passivity and the Storm used the par terre position to score a 2-point gut. On their feet, was Luedke attempting the throw but slipped down to the mat. Once again, Eric was tilted for 2. The period ended. The Minnesotan was successful in countering Eric’s attempt and took a 5-point lead. Eric was working hard and finally earned a passivity call. Eric used this to his advantage as used a high gut for a 2-point tilt and then lifted his opponent to score 3. With the match tied at 5 and just seconds left, it was Eric once again lifting the Storm but the referee claimed Eric was wrenching the back. In overtime, attempted the head-and-arm, but the opponent countered, earning the point and the win … 5 to 6.

Taplin #702
This match, which ended in a 12-5 victory for Ross Taplin, was more memorable for what might have happened. Ross was leading by a score of 9-0, one point away from a technical fall, when he was thrown directly to his back. It was a scary couple of seconds, as Ross battled to get off of his back. Fortunately, he was able to do so, and secure the victory in the process.

Medill #727
Montana was the next foe for Troy Medill. Taking a page from Medill’s book, his opponent opened quickly with a 3+1 lateral. Troy used a lot of his strength to turn back to his stomach where the referee put them back on their feet. Troy scored quickly with the head-and-arm earning the fall.

Best #751
Jordan Best faced an opponent from Oklahoma. Jordan scored first, taking his foe down with a body lock. Unable to score further, they were back on their feet where the Sooner scored a takedown and a 1-point hand-to-hand gut. The second period began and once again it was the Sooner with the same 1-point takedown and a 1-point gut. Jordan did manage a reversal late but lost the match by a 2 to 4 decision.

Adcock #36
This bout had Tyler Adcock squaring off with an opponent from Illinois. Tyler caught his foe with a head-and-arm for the first takedown and a 3-point lead but he gave up a 2-point reversal. Late in the first, Tyler scored a 1-point takedown, to end the period. In the second, Illinois countered Tyler’s attempt and closed the score to, 4-3. Back on their feet, Tyler was charged with passivity and his opponent put him down. Tyler expertly countered an attempted lift and scored 2-points on a reversal. Tyler Adcock wins … 6-3.

DeShazer #40
Tristen DeShazer got off to a good, aggressive start in his first match, earning an early point on a fleeing the mat call. Although he was not successful in turning his opponent, it was unimportant, as he took advantage of a solid headlock the next time he was on his feet, earning a fall.

Loyd #84
Dylan Loyd opened up his campaign with a loss in this match with Illinois. Dylan did gain 3-points while his opponent gained 15, losing by technical superiority.

Baker #110
Hoxie’s sophomore to be, Tyler Baker, battled a foe from New York. After scoring a single point takedown, Baker showed his dominance in par terre offense, scoring with a variety of 2-point trapped arm guts and 1-point tilts to 5-count perils, to score the 11-0 win with 0.41 seconds remaining in the 1st period.

Cornejo #168
Joseph Cornejo faced an opponent from Washington in this first round match. In Greco-Roman wrestling, the double underhook is a very advantageous position. Joe was reminded of that fact early in this bout. His foe used a body lock to score a 3+1 takedown and scored an additional two with a trapped arm gut wrench. The action slowed and they were back on their feet where Joe had a couple of good attempts. The period ended with the score, 0-6. As the second opened it became obvious that the lad from Washington was satisfied with the scoring he had done and gave up two, 1-point takedowns but won the match, 2-6.

Stafford #194
Michigan supplied the opponent for Hugoton’s Grant Stafford. The Wolverine scored first on a 1-point takedown. After being unable to turn Stafford, they were once again on their feet. The Wolverine earned a warning and eventually lost a point for being a bit too aggressive with the throat of Stafford. Grant elected the offensive par terre position where he turned the Michigander with a 2-point gut. The period closed with Grant ahead, 3 to 1. The second period saw Grant extending his lead with a 3-point head-and-arm. It appeared Grant had a comfortable lead but he decided to add a little drama in his life. Stafford gave up a 3-point throw and a single pointer, to barely squeak out the 6-5 win.

Connelly #226
It took Max Connelly both periods to earn his victory, but he won is solid fashion. After taking a 5-0 lead into the second period, he scored a takedown, followed by a gut wrench that carried them out of bounds. Returning in par terre with an 8-0 lead, he used one more gut to secure a 10-0 technical fall.

Sutton-Kearn #261
Chris Sutton-Kearn kept the drama alive in his match against an opponent from Indiana. Chris gained the dominant position early as the Hoosier was penalized 1-point, for fleeing the mat under attack. Chris then earned the 2-point gut before the ref put them on their feet. Chris used a head-and-arm to scored 3 more but gave that back when he allowed a reversal with exposure to lead 6 to 3. On their feet the Hoosier scored a 3+1 with his own, head-and-arm. The period ended with Chris trailing, 6-7. The next period saw both wrestlers battling for position. Late in the action, Chris scored a 1-point takedown and earned the hard-fought win with a 2-point gut wrench. Sutton-Kearn wins … 9 to 7.

Shumate #389
California supplied the foe for Nick Shumate in this match and his foe clearly set the tone. The Bear used a 3-point head-and-arm and a single point takedown to close out the first period with a 0-4 lead. I don’t know exactly what the coaches had to tell Nick during the break, but it worked. Nick scored a 2-point takedown followed by a 2+1 trapped arm gut. Shumate did give up a reversal but quickly got that back and earned an impressive fall over a tough opponent.

Mundy #465
In this match Lorenzo Mundy was pitted against a foe from Nebraska. Lorenzo quickly out-classed the Husker, earning a first period technical fall. Lorenzo scored with a variety of takedowns and guts to earn the match win.

Adcock #527
This match is a good example of how tough the competition is here, as Tyler Adcock, a Kansas high school state champion, was solidly defeated by a very good opponent. Tyler was up to the challenge on his feet, but once he was taken down, he found it much more difficult. After he lost his first takedown, he was successful in escaping while being turned in a gut wrench. After giving up another takedown, however, he was unable to stop the onslaught. His opponent scored, successively, a gut wrench (2 pts), lift and throw (3+1 pts), and a high gut (2 pts). The score I had at the end was 12-0, which I think was due to the speed in which the points were being earned, not giving the officials time to recognize that a tech fall had been earned.

DeShazer #529
This bout saw Tristen DeShazer continue on the road to a National title against a competitor from Washington. Tristen’s physical style had his opponent completely off balance. He opened the scoring with a 3-point head-and-arm, a single point takedown, and a 3-point arm spin. After the arm spin his opponent did manage to score a reversal and held Tristen in peril to gain 3 points of his own. Unfazed, DeShazer scored another 3-point takedown to end the period with a 10 to 5 lead. The second period continued the domination as a 3+1 head-and-arm lead to an eventual fall at 0.53. DeShazer marched on!

Baker #561
Not often in this National tourney does a wrestler clearly out-class his foe, but that is what Tyler Baker had in facing a wrestler from Minnesota. Baker didn’t waste a lot of time, and showed a lot of class in earning the fall with 1.13 left in the first period.

Cornejo #607
This was is easy to report. They shook hands, Joseph Cornejo pummeled in for a body lock, took his opponent to his back, and earned the fall. Altogether, it took 18 seconds.

Miller #677
In this match we had Manhattan’s Mike Miller facing an opponent from Virginia. Miller used a series of single point takedowns to end the first period with the score, 3 to 0. The second period, saw what had been established in the first, continue. Miller continued his dominance finishing the match with a 6-0 victory.

Bailes #703
Oklahoma provided the foe for Turner’s Matt Bailes. The Sooner had scored a technical fall over Matt in the Cadet Duals, just last month. Matt hoped for a different outcome as he opened the scoring with a single point takedown. The Sooner quickly gained a reversal and then scored on a pair of hand-to-hand guts to take the early lead 1 to 3. Once again Matt worked for the takedown to close the period trailing, 2-3. In the second, a flurry of action led to Matt gaining the superior position in par terre. But Matt could not capitalize on the advantage, giving up a reversal and a late 2-point gut. Matt loses … 3 to 6.

Sutton-Kearn #711
Chris Sutton-Kearn faced an opponent from the Minnesota Storm in this bout. The whistle blew to start the period … and it blew to end the period. Scoreless, the second period opened with “the clinch.” Chris did not need to force the action as the Minnesotan locked first, but he did. Chris scored a 3+1 head-and-arm and eventually earned the fall.

Roe #791
In a match of two evenly matched opponents, Ryan Roe came up just a little short. Ryan earned the first point in the match, but allowed the period to end in a tie when he gave up a takedown with only seconds remaining. In the second period, he gave up the first takedown, but put up a great effort in successfully avoiding back exposure in the process. The match ended up being decided on the takedowns, as both wrestlers used duckunders to score. Unfortunately, Ryan gave up three takedowns in the period, while only scoring one, resulting in a 2-4 loss.

Perez #903
Larry Perez earned a quick fall (see photo).

DeShazer #962
Tristen DeShazer looked to remain undefeated in this match against an opponent from North Carolina. DeShazer kept his unbeaten streak alive as he quickly defeated the Tarheel. An 11-0 technical fall with 1.02 remaining in the first.

Woodford #968
This match was decided in the second period. After starting the first period ahead 4-0, Jeb Woodford lost two takedowns, and a gut wrench, resulting in a 4-4 tie. In the second period, Jeb was caught on his back. He rallied to pull back to a 9-9 tie, but lost the next two takedowns as he tried to push to regain the lead. The final score was a close 9-11 loss for Jeb.

Loyd #991
I joined this match in progress, with Dylan Loyd pitted against an opponent from Oregon. The second period opened with Dylan leading by the score of 8 to 6. Two single point takedowns were scored by Loyd and he looked to have the win, well at hand. But drama is the word for today's action, as Loyd was taken down to his back and fought off the pin to squeak out the 10 to 9 win.

Baker #1006
We travel to Oregon to find Tyler Baker’s next foe. Baker opened with a 1-point takedown and gutted his opponent out-of-bounds. Returning to the center, Tyler used a 2-on-1 tilt to take the 4-point lead. A flurry led to Baker earning the top position in par terre where he scored the single, on a hand-to-hand gut. The Oregonian did manage to score the reversal to end the period with Baker ahead, 5 to 1. Baker continued to score as the whistle sounded to start the 2nd. Tyler scored a 1-point takedown, a 2-point takedown, and a 2-point trapped arm gut to seal the win with a 10 to 1 score.

Cornejo #1026
I’ve been trying to balance reporting the action with words, and capturing it with photos. During Joseph Cornejo’s match, I had put down my camera in order to record the action that had just occurred. To my dismay, Joseph picked this particular moment to execute a perfect belly-to-back suplex, earning a fall in the process. It’s a shot I wish I could have back!

Stafford #1066
The drama continued as did the impromptu dual with Oregon as this match pitted Grant Stafford against an Oregon Duck. Early, Grant fought to secure a double underhook and scored a single with a body lock followed by a gut to take a 3-point lead. The second period saw that lead disappear with the Oregonian scoring on a 3-point head-and-arm, a 2-point gut wrench, followed by another 2-point gut. Grant did break the string earning a 2-point reversal and went back ahead, earning a 2+1 on a gut wrench of his own. With Grant leading 8 to 7, a flurry took the action out-of-bounds, with the Duck in the dominant position and 10 seconds remaining on the clock. Stafford did a masterful job of defending against an all-out blitz. Dylan Stafford wins … 8 to 7.

Bailes #1095
Next up for Matt Bailes was a foe from Idaho. What a match this turned out to be. The action was fast and furious with the spud scoring on a 3+1 head-and-arm and a 2-point takedown. Matt scored 1 on a reversal, a 3-point takedown, and a 2-point trapped arm gut. The first period didn’t settle a thing, as we were all tied up at 6. However, the tide may have switched when Matt tweaked his hip at the end of the period. The 2nd opened with the lad from Idaho gaining a 1-point takedown and a 2+1 gut to take the lead, 6 to 10. Matt did manage a reversal but gave up a 2-point reversal to trail 7 to 12. Back on their feet and with just 12 seconds left, Bailes did score 3-points on a lateral but that would be last points earned. Matt Bailes loses … 10 to 12.

Sutton-Kearn #1114
This was a tough match, in which Chris Sutton-Kearn kept battling back. Chris gave up the first three points in a throw, but executed a counter later in the match to close to a 2-3 score going into the second period. After giving up a point on a fleeing the mat call, Chris worked back to a 5-5 tie at the end of regulation. Although he lost the takedown in overtime, he showed a lot of drive in continuing to fight throughout the match.

DeShazer #1257
It was another win for Tristen DeShazer as he pinned his opponent from Iowa. Tristian scored a 2-point takedown but gave up a 2-point reversal to the Hawkeye. But the Iowan was about to make a critical mistake, one for which Tristen would make him pay dearly for. DeShazer secured the head-and-arm for a 2+1 with one minute left in the period. Tristen earned the pin with 0.02 seconds to go in the first. Tristen DeShazer ends Day 1 with an undefeated record.

Woodford #1261
Jeb Woodford got his chance on center court, as he wrestled this match on mat #1.  Unlike the other 22 full mats used in this tournament, mat #1 sits by itself on the 50-yard line on an elevated platform.  Initially, it looked like it was going to be Jeb's lucky mat, as he caught his opponent on his back (while giving up a gut wrench), and held him in that position for nearly 80 seconds of the first period.  Unfortunately, he wasn't able to secure the fall, and led by only a 3-2 margin going into the second period.  However, it still looked like this was going to be Jeb's match until that headlock took Jeb to his back.  Unlike his opponent, Jeb wasn't able to avoid the fall.

Loyd #1275
California supplied the next opponent for Dylan Loyd. In a very cautious first period, Dylan was charged with passivity and eventually gave up a 2-point gut. Dylan had to think that that strategy wasn’t going to work, so he plotted a new one for the second period. Dylan used a 3-point takedown, another 3-point takedown, followed by a 1-point takedown to wrap up the win … 7 to 2.

Baker #1254
Tyler Baker was pitted against an opponent from New Jersey in this match. Sometimes, the margin between what is considered a scoring move and what moves do not score is very fine, such was the case in this match. In the first flurry of action both wrestlers and their respective coaches thought points were earned. This time, the Jersey boy was determined to have scored. In the second flurry of action, once again it was the Jersey boy gaining points, much to the chagrin of the Kansas faithful. And the third time was not the charm as Tyler once again gave up points. But this time, Baker’s spirit was broken and he was pinned. It was Tyler Baker’s first loss of the tourney.

In yesterday’s report, I said that I could conjure up a lot of questions that needed to be answered. Well, before the event even begins, one has been answered. Jordan Bedore has other commitments and he will not be “kicking in the door” this week. But there remain dozens of questions begging for answers.

Currently, the Cadets are practicing in the Bison Sports Arena. This is there final tune-up before the Greco competition begins at 9 o’clock in the morning. The coaches are anxious … the competitors are relaxed … this fan is excited, for one of the greatest weeks in wrestling, is about to begin!