Pic of Frank tearing someone's face off - Check. (Photo BSD/Galen)
Thanks to a weekend sweep of No. 7 Nebraska on Friday night and Michigan at Rec Hall on Sunday, the Penn State Wrestling team earned the inaugural Big Ten regular season dual meet title. Unfortunately, thanks to a win over Nebraska Sunday, Minnesota earned a share of that title with Penn State. Both teams finished with identical 7-1 conference records. Penn State hammered Nebraska 31-6 and beat up Michigan with a similar 34-7 score. Penn State lost only 4 matches all weekend and owned a lopsided 49-13 advantage in takedowns. Penn State still has two duals left before the conference tournament in early March but both the Lions and the Gophers are done in conference.
| Wt | Winner | dec. | Loser | Bout Score | Team Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 174: | #2 Ed Ruth PSU | Pinned | Tyler Koehn | WBF (5:58) | 6-0 |
| 184: | #3 Quentin Wright PSU | dec. | #7 Josh Ihnen | 9-6 | 9-0 |
| 197: | Matt Brown PSU | dec. | James Nakashima | 2-1 | 12-0 |
| 285: | #6 Cameron Wade PSU | #9 Tucker Lane | 8-2 | 15-0 | |
| 125: | #9 Nico Megaludis | Shawn Nagel | 23-6 (TF; 5:59) | 20-0 | |
| 133: | #18 Ridge Kelly | Frank Martellotti PSU | 4-3 | 20-3 | |
| 141: | #5 Jake Sueflohn | Bryan Pearsall PSU | 6-1 | 20-6 | |
| 149: | #1 Frank Molinaro PSU | Brandon Wilbourn | 14-6 | 24-6 | |
| 157: | #8 Dylan Alton | #7 James Green | 2-1 (OT) | 27-6 | |
| 165: | #1 David Taylor PSU | #6 Robert Kokesh | 13-3 | 31-6 |
For those of you that don't know, wrestling matches do not always start at 125. If both coaches agree on a weight (usually 125), the match starts at that weight. If they do not agree, the starting weight class is randomly drawn before the match. Friday was one such occasion and it couldn't have turned out worse for Nebraska. The weight drawn was 174 which meant that Ed Ruth would start the match and David Taylor would end the match. Facing Taylor as the hammer is not something you want if you want a chance at beating Penn State.
Regardless that's the luck of the draw and Ed Ruth started Penn State out with a pin. Quentin Wright followed that by beating No. 7 Josh Ihnen and Cameron Wade beat No. 9 Tucker Lane. Those were two of Nebraska’s top-ten ranked wrestlers and they really needed an upset from one of them if they had hopes of beating Penn State. It was not to be though, and Penn State would win 8 of the 10 bouts including a ride-out overtime victory by Dylan Alton over 7th-ranked James Green at 157.
David Taylor scored a major decision victory over No. 6 Robert Kokesh of NU but the match of note was a 2-1 victory by Matt Brown over James Nakashima at 197. Morgan McIntosh was held out of competition for precautionary reasons so Matt Brown (weighing in at 174) moved up 2 weight classes and filled in for McIntosh at 197. Despite giving up 23 pounds, the talented freshman gutted out a win by pressuring Nakashima in the 3rd period, getting two stall calls the second of which counted for a point in a 1-1 tie. Brown held on for the victory.
| Wt | Winner | Loser | Bout Score | Team Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125: | # 8 Nico Megaludis | Grant Pizzo | 22-10 | 4-0 | |
| 133: | #16 Zac Stevens | Frank Martellotti PSU | 11-7 | 4-3 | |
| 141: | #1 Kellen Russell | Bryan Pearsall PSU | 12-2 | 4-7 | |
| 149: | #1 Frank Molinaro PSU | #7 Eric Grajales | 6-1 | 7-7 | |
| 157: | #8 Dylan Alton | Brandon Zeerip | 5-4 | 10-7 | |
| 165: | #1 David Taylor PSU | #14 Dan Yates | 15-0 (TF; 5:25) | 15-7 | |
| 174: | #2 Ed Ruth PSU | #8 Justin Zeerip | 12-1 | 19-7 | |
| 184: | #3 Quentin Wright PSU | Hunter Collins | WBF (4:22) | 25-7 | |
| 197: | Matt Brown PSU | #15 Max Huntley | 3-1 | 28-7 | |
| 285: | #6 Cameron Wade PSU | #10 Ben Apland | WBF (3:58) | 24-7 |
Starting at the traditional 125, Penn State fell behind 4-7 thanks to a major by top-ranked Kellen Russell over Bryan Pearsall and a regular decision by No. 16 Zac Stevens over Frank Martellotti. Despite losing twice this weekend, Frank wrestled better but seems to lack confidence yet. Both Bryan and Frank are in tough weight classes in the Big Ten so counting on them making it to nationals is a bit of a stretch.
After Pearsall, Penn State reeled off 7-straight victories including Frank Molinaro’s 6-1 victory over No. 7 Eric Grajales, Ed Ruth’s major decision over No. 8 Justin Zeerip, Cameron Wade’s pin of No 10 Ben Apland oat heavyweight, and David Taylor’s tech fall of No 14 Dan Yates. Again, though, the match of note was Matt Brown.
With the match out of reach at 197, Cael sent Brown out to wrestle up 2 weight classes again, except this time Matt didn't get an unranked wrestler; against Michigan Brown faced No. 15 Max Huntley. Again, Brown was the aggressor despite giving up all the weight, and again the match went late in the 3rd period with the score tied at 1. Unlike the Nebraska dual where Brown won on a stall point, Matt countered a Huntley shot with 30 seconds left and turned it into a bout winning takedown for a 3-1 victory. Frank Molinaro won the Ridge Riley award giving to the outstanding wrestler of the dual, and it was well deserved, but I think Brown should have won it for showing the heart to move up two weight classes and beat a ranked wrestler. Of course if I had to wrestle David Taylor and Ed Ruth every day in the mat room, I would probably want to take it out on anyone I could. It’s too bad there’s no room for Brown in the lineup because he obviously has the talent to go a long way.
Matt looks like his little brother (Photo BSD/Galen)
Really, you couldn't ask for a better weekend for Penn State wrestling. Pearsall and Martellotti both minimized damage and the rest of the guys held up their end. I usually don't like to play the "what if" game but I can't help but think, what if Penn State wrestled Minnesota now instead in early November? The Lions are peaking right now and the young guys have come a long way since November.
Regardless, Penn State sets a team record with 7 Big Ten victories including a win over Iowa so the conference wrestling season was a success. Penn State gets two tune-ups against Utah Valley and in-state rival Pitt before heading to West Lafayette for the Big Ten Championships.
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30 comments
No knock on you...
… But can we please stop saying we won a share of the title. We won a share of the title as much as Ohio State won a share of the title in football in 05 and 08.
This weekend was pretty great though. I was really worried about Nebraska dangerous team, and a road match after two big home matches. And the team really dominated. Matt Brown was phenomenal. Have to say I’m disappointed in Martellotti, his match on Friday was pretty upsetting he basically had it won, can’t give up a late reversal, escape would have been ok.
Galen, did you see the Heflin controversy on Friday? Curious of your opinion, worst officiating of all time? I’ve seen some awful calls in my years of wrestling and watching the sport, I don’t remember a ref ever getting a call right and then getting it that wrong after the fact.
psuwresfan - February 6, 2012
You're right,
but it’s not as big a deal as football was in ‘05 and ’08. The big deal comes when it’s B1G Tourney Time, where the true champion will be decided. Football has nothing like it.
Minny came have their duals title, and be happy they got us early.
I’m happy with the real B1G Championship.
Pete the Streak - February 6, 2012
No, I missed the Heflin Controversy
I’m sure it will be on the webs somewhere, I’ll try and look it up. Could you give me the cliff notes version? What happened?
Galen - February 6, 2012
This garbage
OmarLittle - February 6, 2012
OH RIGHT!!!
Yeah I saw that. Here’s a little funny story, I was watching that at a bar and a guy I know who just got into wrestling last year (his grandson started elementary wrestling) had the match turned on. When this happened he said to me, please explain that because I don’t know what just happened, shouldn’t it be either 3 points for the escape and a takedown or 2 for the reversal!?!? I know I don’t fully understand wrestling yet. I said, buddy, you know more about wrestling than that ref does. I feel bad for Zeerip.
Galen - February 7, 2012
Omar posted the video which is good because I’m not sure I could accurately put into words how horrendous that exchange was.
Two things I really appreciated after the fact. If you watch Tom Ryan comes over arguing it should be a reversal instead of escape and takedown. When he hears them talking he quickly retreats back to the bench.
Also even if they weren’t gonna give the points the riding time was majorly messed up because there was no way Heflin should have had 22 seconds of riding time.
Oh another great part was when the ref asks the side judge, “I gave a reversal, then an escape did I give the takedown after that?” So he somehow went from giving potentially 4 points to 1.
psuwresfan - February 6, 2012
Yeah I thought I heard the ref say that! It would be hilarious if it wasn’t absolutely horrific
OmarLittle - February 6, 2012
Yea I feel bad for Zeerip
Apparently he’s never beaten Heflin before.
psuwresfan - February 6, 2012
UNPOSSIBLE!
I couldn't respect a sport where the National Champions didn't even win their ownconference..chocochuck02 - February 6, 2012
Stupid sarcasm font..
I couldn't respect a sport where the National Champions didn't even win theirown conference..chocochuck02 - February 6, 2012
We can still win our Conference in a few weeks.
psuwresfan - February 6, 2012
Growing a serious man-crush on
young Mr. Brown. Giving up 23 pounds (and some height by the pics I saw) and going up two classes shows some stones, then to pick up the wins is AWESOME, BABY!
Major props to the entire team and coaches. Good luck the rest of the way!!
PSU_Lions_84 - February 6, 2012
Don't feel bad with the man-crush
Totally warranted. Brown has balls of steel and it’s too bad they can’t find room for him. Maybe next season McIntosh can redshirt, Ruth and Wright move up and give Brown a spot?!?!? Wishful dreaming on my part.
Galen - February 6, 2012
That can, and very well should be the solution to this Brown “problem”
OmarLittle - February 6, 2012
On moving Ruth and Q
Sure looks like Brown will be alright at 174. He’s 22-3 this season. Two of his losses were to Ruth and the other in early December to Jimmy Sheptock of Maryland. Each loss was by 3 points. Sheptock is currently ranked 13th. The dilemna is will Ruth and Q still dominate if they move up? May be worth a try early next season to see how they perform.
Speaking of 174, How do you think Ruth matches up with Amuchastegui and Perry? Perry’s undefeated but doesn’t seem to overwhelm opponents. He only beat Lofthouse 3-1 on Jan. 7 but he also beat 184 #1 Joe LeBlanc. Amuchastegui’s also undefeated but hasn’t faced any of the other top 174s. He’s also the guy that benefitted from Ruth’s injury in the quartefinals last year. Then there’s Spangler from Iowa St trying to come back from his 3rd concussion. Should be one of the better weights in the NCAAs.
Frank O'Brien - February 7, 2012
Here's the video of Ed getting worked over last year
Link
Frank O'Brien - February 7, 2012
I think Ruth is your champ at 174 despite a tough weight class
There are 3 or 4 guys at the top of this weight class and then the rest, Ruth has been beating highly ranked guys with ease, and really hasn’t been challenged, 19 of his 23 wins are by bonus. Now anything can happen when you get to nationals, but I would put Ed as the favorite at 174.
Galen - February 7, 2012
I agree
Although I would say don’t under estimate Amuchastegui, even though Ruth was injured when they wrestled last time, that kid is a tough customer. But right now from everything I’ve seen Ruth should be the prohibitive favorite.
And I have to disagree slightly I’m not sure it’s one of the better weights, I think you really have a clear top 2. Then you have guys like Perry, and Storley who will be duking it out for the other All American spots. But even there, there is a group of 5 maybe 6 before another drop off in talent.
psuwresfan - February 7, 2012
Unless Taylor moves up again
A lot of people though 174 would be his final weight in college. He certainly has the frame for it. Brown is listed at 165/174 I have a hard time believing he can make 165 from how big he looks. But a line up of Alton, Alton, Brown, Taylor, Ruth Wright would be pretty amazing.
psuwresfan - February 7, 2012
Anyway you look at it 141 thru 197 will be solid the next couple of years
How’s Conaway looking this year? I’m curious if Nico will move to move to 133, redshirt or stay where he is and leave Conaway as a backup.
Frank O'Brien - February 7, 2012
Alton
The more I get to see him, the more I like his style. Yes, his bouts are nail biters but he continues to adjust and find a way to win. I know others have faulted both Altons’ stamina, but in his overtime bout it was his opponent that was gassed, even thoug the Nebby coach seemed to talk the ref into a stall warning minway through the 30-second rideout — while his wrestler was bellied-out. Against Michy, he didn’t complete all his takedowns against the senior but his initial shots were great and no doubt the coaches will work on finishing those takedowns in March. I’m looking forward to AA and DA next year too – should be entertaining along with the other returners on the squad.
OlderBudweiser - February 6, 2012
Alton's conditioning
I think it speaks volumes that Alton wrestled a 3 period overtime on Friday night and was getting in deep in the 3rd period just a day and a half later against Michigan. His shots are getting better, they’ll have him finishing those by tournament time.
Galen - February 7, 2012
Alton's conditioning wasn't as good at the beginning of the year
he really looks good now. Sometimes he seems to overwork himself trying to turn guys on top and needs that second wind but he has it now, which he didn’t in the past. His style is also starting to look very similar to Frank Mollinaro. It is also great to see him get up and out from the bottom quickly, something that really wasn’t his forte.
Note on Martelotti, conditioning. I agree his confidence is a little low right now but I can see the weight adjustment coming together and his skills starting to show through but he gets really gassed, partly because he isn’t very good at getting off the bottom and uses a lot of energy to do so. Needs to work out with DT, pre and post practice to build up his stamina.
BMAN13 - February 7, 2012
I agree on Martelotti, the reversal he gave up on Friday seemed to be more from exhaustion than getting out wrestled.
Also the knock on the Altons dating back to high school was that they always didn’t seem to have good conditioning at the start of the year. And people would start grumbling about them not getting it done. Then come March they were on the top of the podium in Hershey. So this is nothing new for them.
I’m still curious to see Alton wrestle a great mat wrestler, I think some deficiencies may show up there. But he has certainly gotten better on the mat. Like Galen said if he just starts finishing his shots he’ll be fine.
psuwresfan - February 7, 2012
finishing shots is just his bad habits from high school still hanging on
wrestlers are not going ot just fall down for him at this level, but I really think he’ll adjust. Its got to be tough working on something like that in the room because of the level of talent he has to go against on a regular basis. He probalby his many more shots in matches than he can in the room and since they are so much easier he gets lazy. He’ll lose the laziness eventually. He is still a freshman, albeit red shirt. I have noticed an improvement in his riding the second half of the year. He is using legs much more often and keeping his guys broken down better.
BMAN13 - February 7, 2012
I know it was mentioned in the other thread, but without witnessing it myself, ......
I couldn’t believe how bad those announcers were for the Nebraska match.
I could understand not knowing it was Brown in for McIntosh if nobody told them, even if it was the most interesting story of the match. The thing is they knew next to nothing about wrestling. Every time there was a restart with somebody on top & the bottom guy stood up, they kept thinking the guy on top should get a 2 point takedown if he brought the guy back to the mat. They kept calling stalemates stalls. What got me was that the one guy sounded like the guy from the Red Green Show on PBS. That combined with his not knowing what he was taking about was laughable.
Hey announcers – two things – they’re periods, not rounds – you don’t play wrestling.
Elihu - February 7, 2012
you don’t play wrestling.
my sons always loved that. If people asked them if they played any sports in high school they would always say
“No, I wrestle”
BMAN13 - February 7, 2012
B1G CO-CHAMPS!
PSUfanDuff - February 7, 2012
Galen, thanks for the knowledge on the starting weight class scenario.
Frank O'Brien - February 7, 2012
No problem.
I actually had to look that up this season, I knew they could agree to start on a particular weight, and I knew it could come down to a random draw but I didn’t know the specifics that if they don’t agree it goes to a draw. You would think that more and more matches would go to the random draw because I would think teams with strong lightweights (Iowa, OSU) would want to end on them. I guess getting off to a strong start is just as good as ending strong.
Galen - February 7, 2012
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