January 27, 2005

Wrestling Edges Adams

Dalton, Rice Pickup Key Wins

            Kearney, Neb. –   The 3^rd-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team got out to a 13-0 lead and then hung on for a 20-19 win at No. 11 Adams State Thursday night in Alamosa, Colo.

            UNK improves to 10-3 (3-0 RMAC) while the Grizzlies fall to 2-4 (1-1 RMAC) on the season.

            The Lopers won the first three matches of the night, 197 lbs. through 125 lbs., but Adams responded by winning four classes in a row to tie things at 13 all.

            Adams actually had a 19-13 lead as the Lopers were going to forfeit at 184 lbs. Sophomore Caleb Young (Perry, Okla.), the Lopers starter at the weight, is out with a back injury.

            Fremont senior Aaron Dalton, ranked 7^th-nationally at 165 lbs., gave UNK a 17-13 lead with a major decision win over Evan Copeland, 14-4.

            Then, Idaho junior Zac Rice sealed the dual win with a 8-7 victory over James Reynolds at 174 lbs. Rice led 7-6 heading into the third period and then got an extra point when Reynolds gave up an intentional escape with less then a minute to go.

            Reynolds had a riding time point coming to him but he couldn't get takedown to win the match and the dual for Adams.

            UNK built its 13-0 lead on the strength of a major decision by top-ranked Jeff Sylvester (197 lbs.), a pin by 2^nd-ranked Tervel Dlagnev (HWT) and a six point win by top-ranked Bryce Abbey (125 lbs.).