The Scramble for the Title Continues
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Ted Witulski (USA Wrestling)
03/09/2001
After Friday nights' second round consolation, it is clear which wrestlers have gained All-American status. What isn't clear is what team will gain the championship banner come Saturday night. With the preliminary rounds in the book once again another team has stepped atop the leader board. In a narrow battle for the team title, North Dakota State with 52.5 points. NDSU, the returning champion, holds a one point lead over Nebraska-Omaha. South Dakota State University took a big step in the quarterfinals and is positioned in third place only with 51 points only ½ point behind the Mavericks of Omaha. Souther Colorado is in fourth with 46.5 points and Ashland rounds out the top five with 41.5 points. Nebraska-Omaha's title hopes were hurt by the loss of Ricky Frausto the #2 seed. Frausto was upset in the quarterfinals by an unseeded wrestler and was unable to advance to All-American status when he was defeated by Lucas Christianson of NDSU. The topthree teams each have in medal contention. North Dakota State has three wrestling in the semis and three wrestling in the consolations. Nebraska-Omaha has four wrestling in the championship round and two battling in the wrestlebacks. South Dakota State's potential seems strong with five wrestlers still vying for individual titles, the most of any team and only one wrestler in the consolations. South Dakota State is a considerable surprise in the tournament after placing only fourth as a team in the North Central Conference two weeks ago. SDSU finished behind NDSU, Nebraska-Omaha, Minnesota-State Mankato. However, the Jackrabbits are well positioned with Paul Konechne at 141 pounds, Tyler Bryant at 165, and Jon Madsen at Hwt all holding the #1 seed in tomorrow's semifinals.