Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals report - 11:00 a.m. session
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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
01/20/2001
This session had no big surprises, as the seeded teams won handily over their opponents. All eight seeded teams advanced through the first round, setting up anticipated quarterfinal pairings in the afternoon. #3 Iowa 40, Edinboro 9 The Hawkeyes dominated from the opening whistle, winning the first three matches for bonus points. A pin by Jody Strittmatter (125) and technical falls from Eric Juergens (133) and Doug Schwab (133) gave Iowa a quick 16-0 lead. Three more Hawkeye wins followed, with a decision by Mike Zadick (149), a forfeit at 157 and a pin by Ben Shirk (165). Edinboro's first win came at 174, with NCAA runner-up Josh Koscheck edging Gabe McMahan, 5-4. Jessman Smith (184) won Iowa's final bout with a major decision. Edinboro closed with victories over the Fulsaas brothers, as David Shunaman (197) beat Ryan by pin and Kevin O'Meara had a technical fall over Randy at heavyweight. #6 Michigan 35, Virginia Tech 6 Michigan won eight of the 10 bouts for a convincing victory in its opening match. A forfeit at 125 pounds got Michigan off with quick points, followed by a Foley Dowd major decision at 133 pounds. Virginia Tech's first win came at 141 with Sean Gray scoring a 16-7 major decision over Clark Forward. The Wolverines rebounded with a Pat Owen pin at 157 pounds, but the Hokies came back at 165, as Chirs Martin beat Jason Rawls 7-3. Virginia Tech lost a team point at the 165 pounds class for unsportsmanlike conduct. Michigan swept the heavies with four straight wins from Otto Olson (174), Andy Hrovat (184), Joe DeGain (197) and Matt Brink (HWT). Hrovat and Brink scored technical falls. #7 Nebraska 21, Penn State 13 The Cornhuskers had a solid win over host Penn State, showing strength in the upper weights. After the first four matches, the dual was tied at 7-7. Nebraska won the first two bouts, with Jason Powell (125) and Todd Beckerman (133) with wins. Penn State knotted the team score with wins from Nate Parker (141) and Nate Wachter (149). Nebraska won four of the last six matches. Bryan Snyder (157) and NCAA champion Brad Vering (197) had major decisions, and Nebraska also had wins from Ryan Schultz (165) and Ati Conner (174). The Lions finished up with victories from Jeff Knupp (184) and Bob Jones (HWT). #2 Minnesota 22, Hofstra 9 Hofstra kept it close early, but could not stay with the Gophers strength in the middleweights. Minnesota won the first two bouts, with Leroy Vega (125) and Ryan Lewis (133) scoring tight one-point wins. The Dutchmen tied the match at 6-6 after a pair of wins from Jason DeBruin (141) and Eric Schmeising (149). Minnesota claimed control with five straight wins, as Luke Becker (157), Brad Pike (165), Matt Kraft (174), Damion Hahn (184) and Owen Elzen (197) reeled off consecutive victories. Hofstra closed on a positive note, winning at heavyweight with Mike Eberle.