The additional Hoosiers traveling to the NCAAs with automatic bids from the conference tournament are Angel Escobedo, Nate Everhart, Paul Young and Matt Powless. The former three have each earned a seed in their respective weight classes. As expected, Escobedo comes in as the No. 1 seed with his flawless 33-0 record and on the heels of his third consecutive Big Ten title. Everhart has been tabbed as the sixth-seeded heavyweight and Young was given the No. 12 seed at 165 pounds.
Indiana's Escobedo Wins Back-to-Back-to-Back Big Ten Title

ANN ARBOR, Mich.- Redshirt senior Angel Escobedo earned his third consecutive Big Ten Championship on Sunday, extending his undefeated record to 33-0 and handing Iowa's Matt McDonough his first loss of the season.

Nate Everhart, Paul Young and Matt Powless will be joining Escobedo in Omaha, Neb., from March 18-20 for the NCAA Championships, each picking up automatic bids to the national tournament.

With a fifth-place finish at 157-lbs., Kurt Kinser did not receive an automatic bid as the conference only had four for that weight class. Kinser's 26-7 overall record, top-10 ranking and first-period pin in the fifth-place bout give him a very solid shot at getting one of the six at-large bids at 157 pounds though. At-large selections will be announced in the middle of the week.

After a scoreless first period Escobedo elected to start the second period in the bottom position. McDonough was able to ride him for 1:13 before a beautifully executed gramby roll by Escobedo put him ahead 1-0.

The third period started with McDonough down and Escobedo erasing the Hawkeye's riding time advantage prior to McDonough escaping for the 1-1 tie.

Escobedo notched the first takedown of the match before allowing McDonough to free himself once again to make the score 3-2 with 30 seconds remaining. The Griffith, Ind., native then wasted little time posting another takedown to jump ahead 5-2.

A slight hesitation by Escobedo on the edge of the mat resulted in a reversal for McDonough with 13 ticks left. Once the action spilled out of bounds and the two grapplers reset in the center circle, McDonough chose the optional start and immediately kicked out Escobedo in hopes of getting the match-tying takedown. Escobedo would not be denied, however, and held on for the 6-4 decision.

Everhart was also a finalist, finishing as the runner-up at heavyweight. He ran his record to 35-0 with three straight victories before finally falling in the championship match, 9-6, to Iowa's Daniel Erekson.

Young's NCAA ticket came via a 3-2 decision over Minnesota's Cody Yohn in the fifth-place bout. It marks his second trip to the national tournament.

Powless, competing in a stacked 197-lbs. weight class that earned seven automatic bids, made his reservations to Omaha by placing seventh with a 7-0 blanking of Ohio State's Cody Magrum on Sunday.

Kinser made one last addition to his at-large resume in his fifth-place contest at 157 pounds, nailing his patented headlock and pinning David Johnson of Michigan in just over 90 seconds (1:31).

CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS
125 lbs.- Angel Escobedo (IU) dec. over Matt McDonough (IOWA), 6-4
285 lbs.- Daniel Erekson (IOWA) dec. over Nate Everhart (IU), 9-6

CONSOLATION SEMIFINALS
157 lbs.- Anthony Jones (MSU) dec. over Kurt Kinser (IU), 5-3 SV
165 lbs.- Ryan Morningstar (IOWA) dec. over Paul Young (IU), 4-3

FIFTH-PLACE MATCH
157 lbs.- Kurt Kinser (IU) pins David Johnson (MICH), 1:31
165 lbs.- Paul Young (IU) dec. over Cody Yohn (MINN), 3-2

SEVENTH-PLACE MATCH
197 lbs.- Matt Powless (IU) dec. over Cody Magrum (OSU), 6-0
Indiana Takes Down Michigan State, 24-15

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The No. 13 Indiana University wrestling team concluded their best regular season in 14 years on Sunday by defeating Michigan State, 24-15, to finish with an overall record of 16-3 and 5-3 in Big Ten action. Indiana's 5-3 conference mark gives them a share of fourth place in the final conference standings.

A pair of Hoosiers clinched undefeated regular seasons as Angel Escobedo and Nate Everhart tallied wins number 30 and 32, respectively. Top-ranked Escobedo recorded his 10th pin of the year and 40th of his career (tied with Roger Chandler for the most in school history). While Escobedo started the match by giving IU six team points, his unbeaten counterpart ended the day with a major decision in the heavyweight match. Everhart took down Alan O'Donnell four times en route to his 10-2 major.

In the 157-lbs. match, No. 8 Kurt Kinser got the momentum to start swinging in favor of the Cream and Crimson. Kinser walked onto the mat with his team trailing 12-6, but he ended a three-bout winning streak for the Spartans and contributed three team points with his 9-4 decision over Anthony Jones, Jr.

Fellow Bloomington High School South graduate, Paul Young, kept it going at 165 pounds. Young, ranked twelfth nationally, majored 25-time winner Kyle Bounds by a score of 13-3.

After a decision for MSU in the 174-lbs. bout, the Hoosiers seized the final three matches inside Jenison Field House.

Eric Cameron broke a 1-1 tie late in the third period by notching a takedown with just 14 seconds remaining. Cameron's 3-1 victory is his fourth conference win. That performance was followed up by Matt Powless and Everhart's back-to-back major decisions.

COMPLETE RESULTS
#13 INDIANA 24, Michigan State 15
125 lbs.- #1 Angel Escobedo IU) pins Brenna Lyon (MSU), 5:47 (Team Score: 6-0)
133 lbs.- #4 Franklin Gomez (MSU) pins Matt Ortega (IU), 2:45 (6-6)
141 lbs.- Dan Osterman (MSU) dec. over Danny Monaco (IU), 8-4 (6-9)
149 lbs.- #11 David Cheza (MSU) dec. over Matt Coughlin (IU), 5-0 (6-12)
157 lbs.- #8 Kurt Kinser (IU) dec. over Anthony Jones, Jr. (MSU), 9-4 (9-12)
165 lbs.- #12 Paul Young (IU) maj. dec. over Kyle Bounds (MSU), 13-3 (13-12)
174 lbs.- Ian Hinton (MSU) dec. over Nick Avery (IU), 4-1 (13-15)
184 lbs.- Eric Cameron (IU) dec. over Nick Palmieri (MSU), 3-1 (16-15)
197 lbs.- #14 Matt Powless (IU) maj. dec. over Tyler Dickenson (MSU), 12-3 (20-15)
285 lbs.- #2 Nate Everhart (IU) maj. dec. over Alan O'Donnell (MSU), 10-2 (24-25)

With the regular season in the books, it is now time for the Hoosiers to begin their postseason journey, starting with the Big Ten Championships in Ann Arbor, Mich., from March 6-7.
Indiana Beats Purdue, 22-17

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Lawrence North High School) - Put a point on the board for the Hoosiers in the Crimson and Gold Cup Standings after the wrestling team's 22-17 victory over Purdue. Indiana split the 10 bouts, five wins apiece, but a pair of Hoosier pins proved to be the difference.

The No. 13 Hoosiers improve to 15-3 overall and 4-3 in Big Ten action with the win at Lawrence North High School. Indiana completes a weekend sweep after a 22-13 besting of Michigan at home on Friday night.

Indiana began the dual in an 8-0 hole following losses in the first two opening matches at 174 and 184 pounds.

Redshirt sophmore Matt Powless, ranked 15th nationally, lit the scoreboard first for IU, picking an exciting 4-1 over No. 13 Logan Brown. Powless defeated Brown in last year's dual against Purdue as well, clinching the Indiana team victory a year ago.

Second-ranked and undefeated heavyweight Nate Everhart then pushed IU ahead 9-8 by sticking Adam Walls in the first period (2:27) and having his hand raised for the 31st time this season.

Next up was the 125-lbs. bout which showcased Indiana's other wrestler yet to suffer a loss, Angel Escobedo. The Griffith, Ind., native put a hurting on Lawrence North alum Cashe Quiroga. Escobedo posted a 19-5 major decision over No. 17 Quiroga, narrowly missing out on the tech fall. He also brought the IU-heavy crowd to their feet in the closing seconds as he hit a throw that sent Quiroga straight to his back. Quiroga was saved by the bell, however, as time expired in the match before Escobedo could secure the fall.

A decision for the Boilermakers at 133-lbs. closed the gap to just two points at 13-11. That is when redshirt freshman Danny Monaco came up big for his Hoosiers. Monaco topped Bill Putman, 7-1, for a decision that extended the IU lead to 16-11.

That lead didn't stand for long though as Purdue seized the next two bouts to regain an edge at 17-16 heading into the final match of the day.

Indiana's Paul Young (No. 12) left little doubt toa the outcome right from the get-go, posting takedown after takedown in the opening period. He then finished off Jason Martin in the second stanza, recording his team-leading 13th pin of the year.

COMPLETE RESULTS
INDIANA 22, PURDUE 17
174 lbs.- #6 Luke Manuel (PU) tech falls Nick Avery (IU), 22-7 (Team Score: 0-5)
184 lbs.- Nick Corpe (PU) dec. over Eric Cameron (IU), 3-2 (0-8)
197 lbs.- #15 Matt Powless (IU) dec. over #13 Logan Brown (PU), 4-1 (3-8)
285 lbs.- #2 Nate Everhart (IU) pins Adam Walls (PU), 2:27 (9-8)
125 lbs.- #1 Angel Escobedo (IU) maj. dec. over #17 Cashe Quiroga (PU), 19-5 (13-8)
133 lbs.- Akif Eren (PU) dec. over Matt Ortega (IU), 6-2 (13-11)
141 lbs.- Danny Monaco (IU) dec. over Bill Putman (PU), 7-1 (16-11)
149 lbs.- Nick Bertucci (PU) dec. over Matt Coughlin (IU), 3-0 (16-14)
157 lbs.- Colton Salazar (PU) dec. over #6 Kurt Kinser (IU), 3-1 (SV) (16-17)
165 lbs.- #12 Paul Young (IU) pins Jason Martin (PU), 4:34 (22-17)

The Cream and Crimson wrap up their regular season slate on the road next Sunday up in East Lansing against the Michigan State Spartans. That match is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start and will be broadcast online at www.bigtennetwork.com.
Indiana Seniors Go Out the Right Way, 22-13 IU Win Over Michigan

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The No. 13 Indiana University wrestling team concluded the home portion of the 2009-2010 season by defeating the visiting Wolverines of Michigan by a score of 22-13, improving to 14-3 overall and 3-3 in Big Ten action.

Friday night marked the final appearance of five senior grapplers inside University Gym with each of the three seniors in the line-up picking up wins on `Senior Night.'

"Senior Night is big for these guys," said Head Coach Duane Goldman. "But it is also always difficult because of the added pressure and expectations of wrestling your last match in front of the home crowd. It was nice to see Angel (Escobedo), Matt (Coughlin) and Nate (Everhart) each get wins tonight. Sorry to see Trevor (Perry) couldn't wrestle tonight. They have all been four-year starters and big for this program."

Angel Escobedo (28-0), ranked No. 1 in the country, gave the Hoosiers a lead they would never relinquish right out of the gate, pinning Sean Boyle in just over a minute (1:10).

Michigan would take the next two bouts via decision to temporarily even the team score at 6-6 before IU then pulled away by ripping off three consecutive victories in the middle weights. The trifecta of decisions came from Matt Coughlin, Kurt Kinser and Paul Young.

Eric Cameron and #2 Nate Everhart (30-0) also walked away with wins against Michigan, recording a decision and major decision, respectively.

COMPLETE RESULTS
#13 INDIANA 22, MICHIGAN 13
125 lbs.- #1 Angel Escobedo (IU) pins Sean Boyle (MICH), 1:10 (Team Score: 6-0)
133 lbs.- Zac Stevens (MICH) dec. over Matt Ortega (IU), 6-3 (6-3)
141 lbs.- Mark Weber (MICH) dec. over Danny Monaco (IU), 5-3 SV (6-6)
149 lbs.- Matt Coughlin (IU) dec. over Mark Boyer (MICH), 3-2 (9-6)
157 lbs.- #6 Kurt Kinser (IU) dec. over Dave Johnson (MICH), 5-4 (12-6)
165 lbs.- #12 Paul Young (IU) dec. over Aaron Hynes (MICH), 9-5 (15-6)
174 lbs.- Justin Zeerip (MICH) maj. dec. over Nick Avery (IU), 10-0 (15-10)
184 lbs.- Eric Cameron (IU) dec. over Hunter Collins (MICH), 8-2 (18-10)
197 lbs.- #8 Anthony Biondo (MICH) dec. over #15 Matt Powless (IU), 6-0 (18-13)
285 lbs.- #2 Nate Everhart (IU) maj. dec. over Ben Apland (MICH), 12-4 (22-13)

Next up for the Cream and Crimson is a 1 p.m. Sunday scuffle with the Purdue Boilermakers. That match will take place at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis. IU Athletic Assistant Director of Media Relations Kyle Kuhlman will be running a live blog on Sunday, which is set to begin approximately five minutes before match time (12:55 p.m.). Come back to IUHoosiers.com to follow along and ask questions.
#5 Minnesota Tops #14 Indiana, 23-18

BLOOMINGTON, Ind (Bloomington High School South)- Despite Angel Escobedo and Nate Everhart improving to 27-0 and 29-0, respectively, the No. 14 Indiana University wrestling team (13-3, 2-3) dropped a 23-18 match to No. 5 Minnesota (11-4, 6-0). The Hoosiers won four of 10 bouts on the night.

Indiana took an early 6-0 lead after No. 1 Escobedo won by forfeit at 125 pounds. The Golden Gophers then ripped off four consecutive victories, however, to go ahead 16-6.

Former Bloomington High School South Panther Paul Young, wrestling in his old high school gymnasium, started the IU comeback at 165 pounds. He pushed his record to 27-6 overall with his first-round pin of Cody Yohn. Young wasted little time getting a takedown and used the remainder of the period to turn Yohn to his back. With just 14 seconds left in the opening period, Young placed Yohn's shoulders flat on the mat and notched his team-high 12th fall of the season.

Following a decision for Minnesota in the 174-lbs. match, the Hoosiers needed a win out of Eric Cameron in a big way.  They got just that. Cameron battled Kaleb Young to a 1-1 stalemate after regulation. Once in overtime, Cameron put it into another gear and harnessed a takedown for the 3-1 sudden victory. His 19th win of the year cut the IU deficit to just five points at 20-15.

Minnesota's Sonny Yohn, ranked 10th nationally, then responded in the 197-lbs. bout by posting a decision over No. 13 Matt Powless, 8-2, and clinching the team victory for the Gophers.

At heavyweight, Everhart continued to make his case for the nation's most improved wrestler by avenging a pair of losses to Ben Berhow last season; this time controlling the tempo throughout in a 7-3 decision.

<hr>
<b>COMPLETE RESULTS</b><br>
<b>INDIANA 18, MINNESOTA 23</b><br>
125 lbs.- #1 Angel Escobedo (IU) wins by forfeit (Team Score: 6-0)<br>
133 lbs.- #1 Jayson Ness (MINN) pins Geno Capezio (IU), 3:35 (6-6) <br>
141 lbs.- #6 Mike Thorn (MINN) tech falls Nick Viterisi (IU), 24-9 (6-10, no near-fall points) <br>
149 lbs.- #18 Mario Mason (MINN) dec. over Matt Coughlin (IU), 6-0 (6-13)<br>
157 lbs.- #2 Dustin Schlatter (MINN) dec. over Kurt Kinser (IU), 6-0 (6-16) <br>
165 lbs.- #12 Paul Young (IU) pins Cody Yohn (MINN), 2:46 (12-16) <br>
174 lbs.- #8 Scott Glasser (MINN) maj. dec. over Ryan Konz (IU), 12-4 (12-20) <br>
184 lbs.- Eric Cameron (IU) dec. over Kaleb Young (MINN), 3-1 SV (15-20) <br>
187 lbs.- #10 Sonny Yohn (MINN) dec. over #13 Matt Powless (IU), 8-2 (15-23) <br>
285 lbs.- #2 Nate Everhart (IU) dec. over Ben Berhow (MINN), 7-3 (18-23)
<hr>

Next weekend, the Hoosiers will host their final home match of the season when the Michigan Wolverines make a visit to University Gym on Friday (Feb. 12) for a 7 p.m. match. Indiana will then wrestle Purdue on Sunday up in Indianapolis at Lawrence North High School. That match is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time.  

<i>IUHoosiers.com</i> will be providing a live blog for both contests.
#14 Indiana Tops #24 Illinois, 22-13

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.- The #14 Indiana University wrestling team (13-1, 2-1) defeated #24 Illinois (6-5, 1-2), 22-13, Friday night inside University Gym. The Hoosiers won six of 10 bouts on the night, including Matt Powless's 4-2 decision over #9 Patrick Bond at 197 pounds.

Indiana never trailed in the match as top-ranked Angel Escobedo pushed the Cream and Crimson ahead 5-0 right from the get-go with a 22-6 technical fall of John Deenen in the 125-lbs. opening bout. Escobedo improves to 25-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten action with the win.

Matt Ortega then added to the IU lead in the subsequent match-up, avenging a loss earlier this season to Illinois' Daryl Thomas. The second time around, Ortega came away with the 'W' in a 7-4 decision to put the Hoosiers up 8-0.

The Fighting Illini bounced back immediately by taking the next two bouts, including a sudden victory in the 149-pound match. Both Illinois wins were via decision, cutting the IU lead to 8-6 heading into the 157-lbs. scuffle.

Back-to-back victories by Bloomington High School South grads, #6 Kurt Kinser and #13 Paul Young, resulted in a nine-point lead at 15-6. Young picked up bonus points with his 11-2 major decision over Joe Barczak.

The two-match swings continued at 174- and 184-lbs. as Illinois snagged those two weight classes. U of I closed the gap to 15-13 with a pair of matches left.

The trend continued, however, and the Hoosiers sealed the deal by taking the final two bouts. It was déjà vu for Hoosier wrestling fans during the 197-lbs. match as Matt Powless found himself tied up with a nationally-ranked wrestler with just seconds remaining.

Last season against Purdue, Powless' takedown of then-#13 Logan Brown with just two seconds remaining not only gave him the win, but also virtually clinched the team victory by putting Indiana ahead by six points with one match remaining.

He one-upped himself this year, taking down #9 Patrick Bond with a lone tick left on the clock, breaking a 2-2 stalemate and giving his Hoosiers an 18-13 edge with second-ranked and still undefeated heavyweight Nate Everhart waiting on deck.

Everhart then capped off the night by remaining unbeaten at 26-0, picking up his seventh major decision of the season.

<hr>
<b>COMPLETE RESULTS</b><br>
<b>INDIANA 22, ILLINOIS 13</b><br>
125 lbs.- #1 Angel Escobedo (IU) tech falls John Deenen (ILL), 22-6 (Team Score: 5-0)<br>
133 lbs.- Matt Ortega (IU) dec. over Daryl Thomas (ILL), 7-4 (8-0) <br>
141 lbs.- #15 Ryan Prater (ILL) dec. over Danny Monaco (IU), 7-2 (8-3) <br>
149 lbs.- #20 Eric Terrrazas (ILL) dec. over Matt Coughlin (IU), 3-1 SV (8-6) <br>
157 lbs.- #6 Kurt Kinser (IU) dec. over Conrad Polz (ILL), 4-0 (11-6) <br>
165 lbs.- #13 Paul Young (IU) maj. dec. over Joe Barczak (ILL), 11-2 (15-6) <br>
174 lbs.- #14 Jordan Blanton (ILL) dec. over Trevor Perry (IU), 7-3 (15-9) <br>
184 lbs.- #2 John Dergo (ILL) maj. dec. Eric Cameron (IU), 15-6 (15-13) <br>
197 lbs. - Matt Powless (IU) dec. over #9 Patrick Bond (ILL), 4-2 (18-13) <br>
285 lbs.- #2 Nate Everhart (IU) maj. dec. over Pat Walker (ILL), 11-2 (22-13)
Indiana Leads Entire Way in 31-9 Win at Northwestern

EVANSTON, Ill. - The No. 11 Indiana University wrestling team (12-1, 1-1) picked up a Big Ten victory on Sunday, defeating Northwestern (5-7-1, 0-1). Indiana never trailed the entire day en route to a 31-9 win in Evanston, Ill.

A trio of Hoosiers earned bonus points on Sunday, including IU's two undefeated wrestlers. Top-ranked Angel Escobedo improved to 24-0 on the year with his second-period pin of Levi Mele while second-ranked Nate Everhart now sits at 26-0, majoring Marcus Shrewsbury, 12-0. Kurt Kinser, ranked seventh nationally at 157 lbs., also stuck his adversary. His second pin in as many conference matches occurred in the final period via his patented headlock.

No. 13 Paul Young, Eric Cameron and Matt Powless were also victors against Northwestern, each posting decisions. Danny Monaco rounded out the Hoosier scoring by taking a forfeit in the 141-pound bout.

COMPLETE RESULTS
No. 11 Indiana 31, Northwestern 9
125: #1 Angel Escobedo (IU) FALL Levi Mele (NU), 3:47 (IU 6, NU 0)
133: Eric Metzler (NU) dec. Matt Ortega (IU), 7-4 (IU 6, NU 3)
141: Danny Monaco (IU) win by forfeit (IU 12, NU 3)
149: #14 Andrew Nadhir (NU) dec. Matt Coughlin (IU), 8-2 (IU 12, NU 6)
157: #7 Kurt Kinser (IU) FALL Kevin Bialka (NU), 6:13 (IU 18, NU 6)
165: #13 Paul Young (IU) dec. Robert Kellogg (NU), 11-4 (IU 21, NU 6)
174: Brian Roddy, Jr. (NU) dec. Trevor Perry (IU), 6-4 (IU 21, NU 9)
184: Eric Cameron (IU) dec. Aaron Jones (NU), 6-2 (IU 24, NU 9)
197: Matt Powless (IU) dec. John Schoen (NU), 8-1 (IU 27, NU 9)
285: #2 Nate Everhart (IU) Maj. Dec. Marcus Shrewsbury (NU), 12-0 (IU 31, NU 9)

The Cream and Crimson will host a pair of Big Ten matches next weekend inside University Gym. First up is a Friday night scuffle with the No. 24 Fighting Illini of Illinois at 7 p.m., followed by a Sunday showdown with No. 4 Ohio State at 2 p.m.

A live blog will be available for both matches. Fan can check out IUHoosiers.com and keep up with how the Hoosiers are faring. The blog is an interactive experience, giving fans the opportunity to make comments and ask questions.
Wisconsin Badgers Nip Indiana 21-18

MADISION, Wis. - The No. 11 Indiana University wrestling team (11-1, 0-1) suffered their first defeat of the 2009-10 season Friday night, dropping a 21-18 match at #19 Wisconsin (5-6, 1-0).

Angel Escobedo got it started at 125 pounds, giving the Hoosiers a 3-0 lead following a 15-8 decision over Drew Hammen. Escobedo built an 8-2 lead early in the second period and just missed out on the major decision and bonus points; winning by seven points. The Griffith, Ind., native improves to 23-0 on the year with the win.

Wisconsin responded by taking the next three bouts and jumping ahead 11-3. In the 149-lbs. bout, Indiana's Matt Coughlin gave #2 Kyle Ruschell all he could handle. Coughlin, an All-American in 2007, owned a 5-4 lead mid-way through the second stanza but couldn't hold on in the 9-5 defeat.

The Hoosiers' eight-point deficit quickly became a one-point lead after a three-match stretch saw #7 Kurt Kinser and Trevor Perry each pin their opponent in less than a minute. Sandwiched in between the two IU falls, was a near upset by #13 Paul Young over top-ranked and undefeated Andrew Howe.

Young notched the first takedown of the contest before eventually falling 6-4. Both Kinser and Perry stuck their foes via the headlock with Kinser's finisher coming from the left side and Perry flipping UW's Jimmy Duffy from the right.

Wisconsin immediately erased the deficit, however, as a pair of their nationally-ranked grappler picked up victories at 184 and 197 pounds to put UW ahead 21-15 heading into the heavyweight match.

Nate Everhart knew he needed a pin to earn his squad a tie, and nearly converted on several attempts to place Eric Bugenhagen on his back. Bugenhagen fought off each attempt though to secure the Badger team win. Individually, #2 Everhart improved to 25-0 on the year with his 8-4 decision.

COMPLETE RESULTS
125 lbs.- #1 Angel Escobedo (IU) dec. over Drew Hammen (UW), 15-8 (Team Score: 3-0)
133 lbs.- #8 Tyler Graff (UW) tech falls Matt Ortega (IU), 23-8 (3-5)
141 lbs.- #20 Tyler Schmitt (UW) dec. over Danny Monaco (IU), 6-2 (3-8)
149 lbs.- #2 Kyle Ruschell (UW) dec. over Matt Coughlin (IU), 9-5 (3-11)
157 lbs.- #7 Kurt Kinser (IU) pins Greg Burke (UW), 0:59 (9-11)
165 lbs.- #1 Andrew Howe (UW) dec. over #13 Paul Young (IU), 6-4 (9-14)
174 lbs.- Trevor Perry (IU) pin Jimmy Duffy (UW), 0:52 (15-14)
184 lbs.- #17 Travis Rutt (UW) dec. over Eric Cameron (IU), 5-2 (15-17)
197 lbs.- #8 Trevor Brandvold (UW) maj. dec. over Matt Powless (IU), 11-1 (15-21)
285 lbs.- #2 Nate Everhart (IU) dec. over Eric Bugenhagen (UW), 8-4 (18-21)

The Cream and Crimson hit the mats again on Sunday, Jan. 24 with a road match at Northwestern (5-6-1). That match is slated for a 3 p.m. EST start. Live results are available at nusports.com.
Indiana Hoosiers Improve to 11-0 After Sweeping Doubleheader

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The No. 12 Indiana University wrestling team notched it's 10th and 11th dual match wins of the year on Saturday, sweeping the 2010 Indiana Duals. The Hoosiers opened with a come-from-behind victory, 23-22, over American University before sinking the Vikings of Cleveland State, 44-4.

"American could do some damage at NCAAs," said Head Coach Duane Goldman. "They have four guys that could legitimately get to the All-American stand."

Indiana and the Eagles split things five bouts apiece with the team score coming down to bonus points. Those bonus points were not hard to come by as eight of 10 matches resulted in additional tallies to the team scoreboard.

Angel Escobedo, the top-ranked 125-pounder in the country, got it started with a 13-5 major decision over No. 19 Jasen Borshoff. It marks Escobedo's fifth win over a nationally-ranked opponent this season.

American took the next four bouts, building a 17-4 advantage heading into the 165-lbs. match. That is when Indiana's Paul Young started the IU comeback. No. 13 Young tallied his 11th pin of the year, sticking Tanner Shaffer in under two minutes, closing the team score gap to 17-10.

Trevor Perry kept it going at 174 lbs. for the Cream and Crimson, putting on a takedown clinic with Phillip Barreiro. His 20-10 major decision pulled the Hoosiers within in three points at 17-14.

The pressure then intensified for Indiana's heavyweights as No. 4 Mike Cannon recorded a tech fall in the 184-pound match, pushing American ahead 22-14 with two bouts remaining.

At 197 pounds, Matt Powless mimicked Perry's performance; consistently racking up takedowns throughout the match. Powless earned a 20-6 major decision, nearly turning Kenneth Clessas to earn the tech fall in the closing seconds of the third period.


With a 22-18 score, IU heavyweight Nate Everhart knew it all came down to him. He needed a major decision to give his team a tie, and a tech fall or pin to clinch the victory.
"I'm used to it," said Everhart. "I've been the heavyweight the last few years and I like the pressure of deciding the match for the team."

No. 2 Everhart did just as he's done all year, got the job done. He worked his way to an 18-3 tech fall that included near-fall points and gave his Hoosiers a 23-22 team victory.

Indiana's second match of the day was not nearly as dramatic as the first, rolling to a 44-4 win over Cleveland State. The Hoosiers won nine of 10 bouts and forced the referee to slap the mat in four of the final six matches. All four pins came in the first period, including a 33-second stick by Perry.

Redshirt freshman Geno Capezio earned his first career start in the line-up, picking up a 13-6 decision at 133 pounds.

COMPLETE RESULTS
Indiana 23, American 22
125 lbs.- #1 Angel Escobedo (IU) maj. dec. over #19 Jasen Borshoff (AU), 13-5 (Team Score: 4-0)
133 lbs- Thomas Williams (AU) dec. over Matt Ortega (IU), 6-0 (4-3)
141 lbs.- Jordan Lipp (AU) dec. over Danny Monaco (IU), 4-0 (4-6)
149 lbs.- #12 Kyle Borshoff (AU) pins Matt Coughlin (IU), 2:25 (4-12)
157 lbs.- #4 Steve Fittery (AU) tech falls #7 Kurt Kinser (IU), 17-1 (4-17)
165 lbs.- #13 Paul Young (IU) pins Tanner Shaffer (AU), 1:57 (10-17)
174 lbs.- Trevor Perry (IU) maj. dec. over Phillip Barreiro (AU), 22-10 (14-17)
184 lbs.- #4 Mike Cannon (AU) tech falls Eric Cameron (IU), 17-0 (14-22)
197 lbs.- Matt Powless (IU) maj. dec. over Kenneth Clessas (AU), 20-6 (18-22)
285 lbs.- #2 Nate Everhart (IU) tech falls Blake Herrin (AU), 18-3 (23-22)

American 37, Cleveland State 10
125 lbs.- #19 Jasen Borshoff (AU) wins by forfeit (Team Score: 6-0)
133 lbs.- Thomas Williams (AU) tech falls Zech Huff (CSU), 16-1 (11-0)
141 lbs.- Jordan Lipp (AU) pins Mike Mencini (CSU), 5:57 (17-0)
149 lbs.- #12 Kyle Borshoff (AU) tech falls Dan Castillo (CSU), 24-9 (22-0)
157 lbs.- #4 Steve Fittery (AU) pins Corey Carlo (CSU), 3:37 (28-0)
165 lbs.- Rob Michaels (CSU) maj. dec. over Tanner Shaffer (AU), 15-2 (28-4)
174 lbs.- Marcus Effner (CSU) dec. over Phillip Barreiro (AU), 8-4 (28-7)
184 lbs.- #4 Mike Cannon (AU) pins Nick Anthony (CSU), 1:52 (34-7)
197 lbs.- Jeff Schuler (CSU) dec. Kenneth Clessas (AU), 10-3 (34-10)
285 lbs.- Mingo Grant (AU) dec. Chris Weber (CSU), 7-5 (SV) (37-10)

Indiana 44, Cleveland State 4
125 lbs.- #1 Angel Escobedo (IU) wins by forfeit (Team Score: 6-0)
133 lbs.- Geno Capezio (IU) dec. over Zech Huff (CSU), 13-6 (9-0)
141 lbs.- Mike Mencini (CSU) maj. dec. over Max Ortega (IU), 15-4 (9-4)
149 lbs.- Matt Coughlin (IU) dec. over Dan Castillo (CSU), 2-0 (12-4)
157 lbs.- #7 Kurt Kinser (IU) pins Corey Carlo (CSU), 1:03 (18-4)
165 lbs.- #13 Paul Young (IU) maj. dec. over Rob Michaels (CSU), 12-2 (22-4)
174 lbs.- Trevor Perry (IU) pins Marcus Effner (CSU), 0:33 (28-4)
184 lbs.- Eric Cameron (IU) maj. dec. over Nick Anthony (CSU), 21-8 (32-4)
197 lbs.- Matt Powless (IU) pins Jeff Schuller (CSU), 2:11 (38-4) 285 lbs.- #2 Nate Everhart (IU) pins Chris Weber (CSU), 2:06 (44-4)
Indiana Leaves Morgantown With 29-9 Win Over West Virginia

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The No. 13 Indiana University wrestling team improved to 9-0 on the year with a 29-9 road victory at West Virginia (0-4) Saturday afternoon. Indiana won seven of 10 bouts on the day. The Hoosiers have limited all nine opponents to nine points or less.

Angel Escobedo got things started for the Cream and Crimson in the 125-pound match, defeating Shane Young, 12-4. Escobedo (20-0) controlled the tempo throughout the match en route to his sixth major decision of the year.

West Virginia held a lead momentarily after taking the next two decisions at 133 and 141 pounds. Matt Coughlin would put an end to that quickly, however, dominating Brandon Loro at 149 pounds. Coughlin's 14-4 major decision gave the Hoosiers an 8-6 advantage on the team scoreboard, an edge they would not relinquish the rest of the way.

Coughlin's win started a four-bout streak in which IU posted bonus points. Kurt Kinser notched a 16-4 major decision, followed by a pin and technical fall for Paul Young and Trevor Perry.

Young's opponent, Donnie Jones, is a two-time NCAA Qualifier and has been ranked as high as No. 13 this season. Young made quick work of him though, sticking Jones in just under two minutes (1:55). Perry nearly one-upped his teammate, connecting on his lethal headlock right off the opening whistle. After Christian Mory fought his way out of Perry's grasp, Perry continuously racked up points until the match was halted due to technical fall at 21-6.

At 184-lbs., Eric Cameron battled No. 19 Matt Ryan in a tight 7-4 defeat for the Mountaineers third and final win. Matt Powless and Nate Everhart then concluded the match with back-to-back decisions, pushing Indiana's final lead to 29-9.

COMPLETE RESULTS
Indiana 29, West Virginia 9
125 lbs.- No. 2 Angel Escobedo (IU) maj. dec. over Shane Young (WVU), 12-4; (Team Score 4-0)
133 lbs.- Colin Johnston (WVU) dec. over Matt Ortega (IU), 8-2; (4-3)
141 lbs.- Brandon Rader (WVU) dec. over Danny Monaco (IU), 14-7; (4-6)
149 lbs.- Matt Coughlin (IU) maj. dec. over Brandon Loro (WVU), 14-4; (8-6)
157 lbs.- No. 12 Kurt Kinser (IU) maj. dec. over Kyle Eason (WVU), 16-4; (12-6)
165 lbs.- No. 14 Paul Young (IU) pins Donnie Jones (WVU), 1:55; (18-6)
174 lbs.- Trevor Perry (IU) tech. fall over Christian Mory (WVU), 21-6; (23-6)
184 lbs.- No. 19 Matt Ryan (WVU) dec. over Eric Cameron (IU), 7-4; (23-9)
197 lbs.- Matt Powless (IU) dec. over Kyle Rooney (WVU), 8-6; (26-9)
285 lbs.- No. 6 Nate Everhart (IU) dec. over Brandon Williamson, 6-0; (29-9)

Indiana wraps up the non-conference schedule on Jan. 16 with a pair of home dual matches versus American and Cleveland State. Those matches are slated to start at 10 a.m. inside University Gym.
Indiana's Escobedo and Everhart Do It Again, Bring Back Titles
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Two champions, three finalists, seven placers and a third-place finish in the team standings ... That is what the No. 13 Indiana University wrestling team accomplished the last two days at the 2009 Southern Scuffle.

Angel Escobedo, ranked second nationally at 125 lbs., concluded his individual title run by avenging his loss to No. 1 Troy Nickerson (Cornell) in last season's NCAA semifinals, defeating the defending national champion when Nickerson suffered an injury in the early goings and could not continue. Escobedo has run his undefeated season record to 19-0, and is all but assured to be slotted as the nation's top-ranked 125-pounder next week. The Griffith, Ind., native also defeated No. 3 Zach Sanders, 8-2, in the semifinals.

Escobedo began the championship round by putting IU on top of the podium, and Nate Everhart ended the evening the same way by earning the heavyweight crown. Everhart tallied five victories en route to his championship, inflating his flawless season mark to 21-0. He topped Scott Steele of the U.S. Naval Academy, 3-2, in the finals.

It marks the second time this season in which both Escobedo and Everhart have won individual championships at a nationally-prominent tournament, having each done so earlier this year at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.

Kurt Kinser made a splash as well, advancing to the 157-pound championship match. The Bloomington High School South product's biggest win came over Bloomsburg's Matt Moley, who is ranked third nationally. With a 1-1 score late in the third period, Kinser garnered a takedown in the final seconds to earn a 3-1 triumph. He then came up just shy of snagging Indiana's third individual title, falling to No. 7 Thomas Scotton (North Carolina), 2-1, in the fourth tiebreaker.

Paul Young and Trevor Perry each placed fourth in the competition. They combined for five pins during the two-day tournament. Young's season pin total is now a team-high nine falls while Perry has stuck 28 opponents in his career, the eighth most in school history.

Eric Cameron and Matt Powless could also be found on the medals stand, both going out with a win in the seventh place match. Cameron and Powless each racked up five victories the last two days.

The Cream and Crimson receive little rest after their stellar performance at the Southern Scuffle, returning to action just three days later with a dual match at West Virginia on Jan. 2 at 2 p.m. EST.
#13 Indiana Hoosiers Earn Two More Victories

OAK LAWN, Ill. - The No. 13 Indiana University wrestling team improved to 8-0 on the year after sweeping the F.I.T.E. Duals by a combined score of 79-6. The Hoosiers topped Eastern Michigan (2-3-1), 29-6, while blanking the Cougars of SIU-Edwardsville (0-5) by a 50-0 tally.

Eight of the 10 Hoosiers in action won both of their matches on Saturday. Redshirt sophomore Matt Powless garnered the most team points by pinning both of his adversaries. Angel Escobedo, Kurt Kinser, Trevor Perry and Paul Young each recorded a fall as well.

Indiana opened the day against the EMU Eagles. The dual started with the 174-pound bout, where Indiana's Perry won 13-6. The team score was momentarily tied at 3-3 before Powless put IU ahead for good with his first-period pin at 197 pounds. Escobedo, Nate Everhart and Young all contributed four points to the team score, posting major decisions.

In the Hoosiers second clash of the day, IU shut out their second opponent of the year (Indiana shut out Wabash in the season-opening dual). Not only did the Cream and Crimson allow zero points to the Cougars, they racked up 50 points of their own with bonus points coming in eight of 10 matches. Perry wasted little time disposing off his foe, pinning Tim Mahoney in just 15 seconds.

COMPLETE MATCH RESULTS
Indiana 29, Eastern Michigan 6
174 lbs.- Perry (IU) dec. over Hendrick (EMU), 13-6
184 lbs.- Joseph (EMU) dec. over Cameron (IU), 8-2
197 lbs.- Powless (IU) pins Stonback (EMU), 2:49
285 lbs.- Everhart (IU) maj. dec. over Wade (EMU), 12-3
125 lbs.- Escobedo (IU) maj. dec. over Jenkins (EMU), 18-6
133 lbs.- Nook (EMU) dec. over Ortega (IU), 12-6
141 lbs.- Monaco (IU) dec. over Sade (EMU), 6-0
149 lbs.- Warren (IU) dec. over Johnson (EMU), 6-1
157 lbs.- Kinser (IU) dec. over Sulzer (EMU), 6-0
165 lbs.- Young (IU) maj. dec. over Brandel (EMU), 19-9

Indiana 50, SIU-Edwardsville 0
174 lbs.- Perry (IU) pins Mahoney (SIU-E), 0:15
184 lbs.- Cameron (IU) decision over Cooney (SIU-E), 12-4
197 lbs.- Powless (IU) pins Smith (SIU-E), 3:48
285 lbs.- Everhart (IU) tech falls Devine (SIU-E), 20-5
125 lbs.- Escobedo (IU) pins Treat (SIU-E), 2:39
133 lbs.- Ortega (IU) dec. over Murphy (SIU-E), 3-2
141 lbs.- Monaco (IU) maj. dec. over Biehl (SIU-E), 11-2
149 lbs.- Warren (IU) maj. dec. over Lowman (SIU-E), 13-1
157 lbs.- Kinser (IU) pins Jones (SIU-E), 3:36
165 lbs.- Young (IU) pins Reed (SIU-E), 2:09
The Hoosier grapplers will now take a 17-day leave from competition before getting back at it on Dec. 29-30 at the Southern Scuffle in Greensboro, N.C.
Indiana Dominates at Hoosier Duals

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana wrestling team remains unbeaten on the season after going 5-0 at the Hoosier Duals on Nov. 28. Indiana held all five opponents to single digits and went undefeated in five weight classes. Angel Escobedo, Paul Young, Eric Cameron and Nathan Everhart went 5-0 on the day.

The Hoosiers started off the day with a 44-6 drubbing of the Cumberlands. The Hoosiers got three pins in the dual, with Young scoring the first of three falls on the day and Everhart pinning Travis Aubrey in just 1:21.

Next up for Indiana was Northern Illinois. NIU took three matches, but the Hoosiers prevailed 27-9. Escobedo led the way, sticking Izzy Montemayer in 5:43. Escobedo would pin his next two opponents as well, recording three falls on the day.

The Hoosiers then throttled Chattanooga 30-9. The Mocs were able to take three victories, but the Hoosiers led the whole way, as Escobedo opened the dual with a pin and Matt Ortega followed with a major decision to open a 10-0 lead.

In the fourth round, Indiana and Liberty faced off with both teams 3-0 on the day. The Hoosiers won in dominating fashion, taking a 43-3 victory. Indiana got 29 points in the final five weight classes. After a pin by Young and a forfeit to Trevor Perry, Cameron pinned Eli Sanchez in 2:55 and Matt Powless followed with a technical fall before Everhart received a forfeit to close our the dual.

IU closed out the day with a 37-6 win over South Dakota State. Everhart finished the meet in style for Indiana, recording an impressive technical fall over Jeremy Swier.

The Hoosiers are 6-0 on the season. Indiana returns to action at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 4-5. For complete coverage of IU wrestling, stay tuned to IUHoosiers.com.Indiana Hoosier Duals: Sat. 9 a.m. At University Gym

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana University wrestling team (1-0) hosts the Hoosier Duals on Saturday, Nov. 28, inside University Gym. Six teams will compete in the event with the first round of dual matches beginning at 9 a.m.

Head Coach Duane Goldman's Hoosiers will welcome in Chattanooga (2-3), the University of the Cumberlands (1-0), Liberty (1-0), Northern Illinois (0-0) and South Dakota State (0-1) for the marathon round-robin competition which will see each team wrestle five dual matches in one day.

Indiana is ranked 11th nationally in the latest Intermat poll released on Tuesday. Nine nationally-ranked individuals are expected to hit the mats on Saturday, including five Hoosiers:

Angel Escobedo (IU), 2nd at 125 lbs.
Tyler Sorenson (SDSU), 8th at 197 lbs.
Cody Cleveland (UTC), 10th at 141 lbs.
Nate Everhart (IU), 11th at 285 lbs.
Kurt Kinser (IU), 12th at 157 lbs.
Paul Young (IU), 13th at 165 lbs.
Trevor Perry (IU), 17th at 174 lbs.
Jake Young (UTC), 19th at 174 lbs.
Tristen DeShazer (NIU), 20th at 133 lbs.

DUAL MATCH SCHEDULE
9 a.m.
Mat 1- Indiana (IU) vs. Cumberlands (UC)
Mat 2- Northern Illinois (NIU) vs. Chattanooga (UTC)
Mat 3- Liberty (LU) vs. South Dakota State (SDSU)

11 a.m.
Mat 1- IU vs. NIU
Mat 2- UC vs. LU
Mat 3- UTC vs. SDSU

1 p.m.
Mat 1- IU vs. UTC
Mat 2- UC vs. SDSU
Mat 3- NIU vs. LU

3:30 p.m.
Mat 1- IU vs. LU
Mat 2- UC vs. UTC
Mat 3- NIU vs. SDSU

5:30 p.m.
Mat 1- IU vs. SDSU
Mat 2- UC vs. NIU
Mat 3- UTC vs. LU
Indiana Wrestling Moves Up to No. 11 in Latest National Poll

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Head Coach Duane Goldman's IU Wrestling team is slotted 11th in the latest Intermat/NWCA national poll. Five individual Hoosiers are also nationally ranked in their respective weight classes.

Three-time All-American and 2008 National Champion Angel Escobedo is tops on the team with his No. 2 ranking at 125 pounds. Additional Hoosiers present in the rankings include: Nate Everhart (11th, 285 lbs.), Kurt Kinser (12th, 157 lbs.), Paul Young (13th, 165 lbs.) and Trevor Perry (17th, 174 lbs.).

Six of 11 Big Ten schools can be found in the top-25, including three of the top-4.

Iowa (1st), Ohio State (3rd), Minnesota (4th), Indiana (11th), Penn State (13th) and Wisconsin (22nd).

Indiana will host their first home competition of the 2009-10 season on Saturday (Nov. 28). The Hoosiers will welcome in five teams for the Hoosier Duals inside University Gym, starting at 9 a.m. A complete event preview will be posted at IUHoosiers.com on Wednesday. The opposition will include Chattanooga, the University of the Cumberlands, Liberty, Northern Illinois and South Dakota State.
Indiana Squash Wabash, 45-0

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. - For the third consecutive season, IU Wrestling opened their dual match schedule with a shutout on the road at Wabash College. The Hoosiers blanked Wabash, 45-0, Tuesday night in Crawfordsville.

Seven of 10 IU grapplers recorded bonus points in the contest as Indiana tallied two major decisions, a pair of tech falls and pinned three Little Giants.

Three-time All-American Angel Escobedo began the night by sticking Josh Boyer in under a minute (0:53) in the 125 lbs. bout. Matt Ortega followed suit at 133 pounds, recording his fall at the 1:03 mark.

Competing in his first collegiate dual match, redshirt freshman Danny Monaco posted an 8-1 victory over Jake Strausbaugh at 141 pounds. Alex Warren kept it going in the 149-lbs. match by tech falling his opponent, 17-0, in just four minutes and 23 seconds.

Next up was the Bloomington High School South duo of Kurt Kinser (157 lbs.) and Paul Young (165 lbs.), each making quick work of their foe. Kinser ran his career pins total to 26, placing him eighth all-time in school history while Young garnered an 18-2 tech fall in 3:56.

Trevor Perry (174 lbs.) wrestled the first match of his senior season, putting up a 12-1 major decision over Robert Beeler. Subsequent decisions by Eric Cameron and Matt Powless followed to put the Cream and Crimson ahead 41-0.

Heavyweight Nate Everhart handed Rob Arnett his first defeated of the year, remaining undefeated himself after a 11-0 major decision.

Redshirt freshman Ryan Konz also wrestled Tuesday night, winning his exhibition match with Jake Moore, 13-0.

Indiana's next competition is the Hoosier Duals on Nov. 28, held this season at University Gym.

COMPLETE RESULTS
Final Score: Indiana 45- Wabash 0
125 - Angel Escobedo (Indiana) pins Josh Boyer (Wabash) 0:53
133 - Matt Ortega (Indiana) pins Willy Costakis (Wabash) 1:03
141 - Dan Monaco (Indiana) decision over Jake Strausbaugh (Wabash) 8-1
149 - Alex Warren (Indiana) tech falls Garrett Payne (Wabash) 17-0 4:23
157 - Kurt Kinser (Indiana) pins Tony Conway (Wabash) 3:41
165 - Paul Young (Indiana) tech falls Bryon Hugo (Wabash) 18-2 3:56
174 - Trevor Perry (Indiana) maj. dec. over Robert Beeler (Wabash) 12-1
184 - Eric Cameron (Indiana) decsion over Greg Rhoads (Wabash) 7-4
197 - Matt Powless (Indiana) decision over Michael Burke (Wabash) 9-5
285 - Nate Everhart (Indiana) maj. dec. over Rob Arnett (Wabash) 11-0

Exhibition Matches
157 - Ryan Konz (Indiana) maj. dec. over Jake Moore (Wabash) 13-0
Three Indiana Hoosiers Claim Titles at Season-Opening Michigan State Open

EAST LANSING, Mich.- The Indiana University wrestling team officially opened their 2009-10 season on Sunday at the Michigan State Open. Eleven of 15 Hoosiers placed in the Open division, including three titles by Nate Everhart (285 lbs.), Kurt Kinser (157 lbs.) and Paul Young. (165 lbs.)

A pair of Bloomington High School South graduates in Kinser and Young were perfect on the day, combining for nine wins and two tournament championships. Senior heavyweight Nate Everhart followed suit with a 4-0 day of his own and tourney crown. It marks Kinser's second consecutive Michigan State Open title after winning the same event to begin the 2008-09 campaign.

Also advancing to the championship of their weight class were true freshman Ryan LeBlanc (165 lbs.) and Eric Cameron (184 lbs.), each finishing as runner-up. Additional IU placers include: Danny Monaco (141 lbs.) and Joe Fagiano (285 lbs.) at third, Nick Avery (184 lbs.) in fourth and a trio of Hoosiers coming in at fifth place (Ryan Konz, Matt Powless and Justin Kuhn).

A complete recap will be available at IUHoosiers.com later this evening.
Indiana Wrestling Holds 2009 Intrasquad Scrimmage

Mail-Filter-Gateway: Found to be Virus Free

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The No. 15 Indiana University wrestling team held the 2009 intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday evening with nine matches on the docket, including 2008 National Champion Angel Escobedo in action.

An exhibition heavyweight match started the night, pitting junior Joe Fagiano versus true freshman Jowan Gill. Fagiano, a likely redshirt for the 2009-10 season, made quick work of Gill, pinning him in 1:50.

149 LBS. * r-Junior Alex Warren vs. Freshman Anthony Fretwell
Warren jumped ahead 9-0 following the first period with a takedown and seven near-fall points. He then quickly recorded a reversal and two more near-falls to notch a 16-0 tech fall in the second period. Warren ran a very effective tilt to earn the majority of his back points.

141 LBS. * r-Freshman Danny Monaco vs. r-Freshman Nick Viterisi
After a scoreless opening period, Viterisi took a 1-0 advantage with an escape from his starting bottom position. Monaco quickly matched his escape in the final period before posting the only takedown of the match and going ahead 3-1. Viterisi would escapedonce again but fail to take down Monaco, dropping the match, 3-2.

133 LBS. * r-Sophomore Matt Ortega vs. r-Freshman Geno Capezio
Ortega tallied three takedowns in this contest, one in each period. He also added an escape while Capezio failed to score any offensive points. In the end it was Ortega coming out on top, 7-5.

174 LBS. * r-Senior Trevor Perry vs. Freshman Bryce Grimes
Perry controlled the pace from the get-go against Grimes, taking him down twice in the first period and five times for the match. Add-in an escape and riding time point for Perry, leading to a 12-3 victory for the three-time NCAA Qualifier.

165 LBS. * r-Junior Paul Young vs. Freshman Ryan LeBlanc
LeBlanc gave Young all he could handle in the 165-pound bout. LeBlanc, a top-50 recruit nationally, was the first to light the scoreboard with a first-period takedown on the edge of the mat. Young escaped from LeBlanc's grasp and tallied a takedown of his own, however, before the period came to an end. The two then exchanged escapes in the final two periods, resulting in a 4-3 winner for Young.

HEAVYWEIGHT * Senior Nate Everhart vs. Senior Justin Kuhn
Everhart owned a 3-0 edge after two periods. Kuhn chose to start down in the final period and escaped after a long ride by the two-time NCAA Qualifier. Everhart then regained the top position once again and rode Kuhn out for the remainder of the period, grabbing a riding time point as well as the 6-1 win.

125 LBS. * r-Senior Angel Escobedo vs. Freshman Justin Brooks
It was a slow start for the 2008 National Champion, taking a 2-0 lead into the second period. He then turned on the jets in period number two, increasing his lead to 10-4. Escobedo continued to add to his lead in the third period, completing the major decision, 15-6

157 LBS. * r-Junior Kurt Kinser vs. r-Senior Matt Coughlin
The marquee contest of the night, matching-up a pair of two-time NCAA Qualifiers, began with a stalemate in the 0-0 opening period. The outcome remained very uncertain heading into the third period as Kinser held just a 1-0 advantage. He finally pulled away in the third period, however, snagging a couple of takedowns en route to a 7-1 triumph.

The Hoosiers officially begin their 2009-10 campaign on Nov. 15, heading to the Michigan State Open. Indiana is slotted 15th nationally in the preseason coaches' poll.
Indiana University Wrestling Hauls in No. 23 Recruiting Class
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Head Coach Duane Goldman and his staff brought in the No. 23 recruiting class for the 2009-10 season according to Intermat, who released their national top-25 rankings Tuesday.

The Hoosiers will welcome two top-100 individual recruits to Bloomington in the fall, No. 46 Ryan LeBlanc (Morrsville Eaton, N.Y.) and No. 57 Max Ortega (Rio Rancho, N.M.). They each committed during the early signing period and combined as Intermat's 17th-ranked Early Recruiting Class.

Max Ortega, projected in the 141-149 lbs. range, is a four-time New Mexico state champion from Rio Rancho High School. Sound familiar? That's because Max's older brother, Matt, was also a four-time New Mexico state champion and will be a redshirt sophomore on the Hoosier wrestling squad this upcoming winter. Indiana also snagged a big-time recruit from the Empire State, signing two-time New York state champion Ryan LeBlanc. LeBlanc hails from Morrisville-Eaton High School. Both grapplers earned All-American honors at the NHSCA Senior Nationals.

Two other notable IU recruits according to Intermat are Justin Brooks (Warsaw, Ind.) and Tanner Kriss (Colby, Kan.). Brooks was a Junior National All-American in freestyle, while Kriss completed his senior season of high school with a state title.

The Big Ten Conference flexed its muscle in the national rankings as nine of the 11 schools were present in the top-25, including seven Big Ten institutions in the top-13.

TheOpenMat.com also tabbed Indiana's class No. 23 in the country in their inaugural rankings. Here is what they had to say:

"We expect big things from Coach Goldman's '09 class. First and foremost, Max Ortega, a New Mexico product who won 4 state titles and was a 3x finalist of NHSCA's national class tournament, is the Hoosier's future at 149. Ryan LeBlanc (165) won two NYS titles while Tanner Kriss (197) was crowned three times in Kansas. To supplement these standouts are in-state 4x placer Justin Brooks (125) and GA 2xer, Anthony Fretwell (Locust Grove, Ga.).

Indiana's Escobedo Wins Title, Five Others Receive Automatic NCAA Bids

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.- Angel Escobedo successfully defended his 125-lbs. Big Ten Championship on Sunday, defeating top-seeded Brandon Precin of Northwestern, 3-2, for his second consecutive conference title.  In addition, five other Hoosiers have also guaranteed themselves a trip to the NCAA Championships in St. Louis.

Kurt Kinser (157 lbs.), Paul Young (165 lbs.), Trevor Perry (174 lbs.), Eric Cameron (184 lbs.) and Nate Everhart (285 lbs.) will join Escobedo in two weeks at the nationals. An additional 52 at-large bids will be awarded by the NCAA committee on Wednesday, March 11.

Matt Ortega made his case for one of those NCAA bids with his performance at the Big Tens. Ortega's seventh place showing at 133 pounds was just one spot out of the automatic bid range with the Big Ten receiving six slots in that weight class.  Also, en route to his seventh place finish, Ortega defeated a pair of seeded wrestlers in No. 8 Carson Beebe and No. 7 Zac Stevens. He entered the weekend at #31 in the national RPI.

Escobedo took a 2-0 advantage over Precin in the title bout with a first-period takedown.  The Northwestern Wildcat was able to escape, trimming the IU lead in half at 2-1 heading into the second period. Escobedo then returned the favor after electing to begin the second stanza in the down position and increasing his lead to 3-1 with an escape.  It was Precin's turn to start down in the final period.  He got away for his second escape of the match, but not before Escobedo rode him long enough to eliminate the riding time advantage. From there, no points were tallied and Escobedo came away with a 3-2 decision and his second straight Big Ten title.

Escobedo is the first Hoosier to win back-to-back Big Ten Championships since Brian Dolph did so in 1989 and '90.  

Everhart was guaranteed nothing going into Sunday and needed to win the fifth-place match to receive one of the Big Ten's five automatic bids at heavyweight.  Rather than play the passive role with a 2-1 edge in the third period, Everhart got on the aggressive and recorded a pair of takedowns to go along with a 1:33 riding time advantage and a 7-2 victory; stamping his ticket to the NCAAs for the second straight season.    

A trio of Hoosiers posted sixth-place finishes: Kinser, Perry and Cameron. Young came in seventh at 165 pounds.  As mentioned before, all of the above will be heading to the Scottrade Center in St. Louis for the NCAA Championships (March 19-21).  

Indiana finished in ninth place as a team.

COMPLETE RESULTS FROM SUNDAY

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND   
133 lbs. 7th Place Match- Matt Ortega (IU) dec. No. 7 Zac Stevens (MICH), 7-4   
1st- TD Ortega (2-0); E Stevens (2-1)   
2nd- Ortega Chooses Down; R Ortega (4-1); E Stevens (4-2); TD Ortega (6-2); PT Ortega (7-2); E Stevens (7-3)   
3rd- Stevens Chooses Down; E Stevens (7-4)

165 lbs. 7th Place Match- No. 7 Paul Young (IU) dec. Justin Zeerip (MICH), 3-0   
1st- No score   
2nd- Young Chooses Down; PT Young (1-0)   
3rd- Zeerip Chooses Neutral; TD Young (3-0)

197 lbs. 7th Place Match- No. 6 Matt Powless (IU) dec. No. 8 John Schoen (NW), 4-0   
1st- No score   
2nd- Powless Chooses Down; E Powless (1-0); TD Powless (3-0)   
3rd- Schoen Chooses Down; RT [2:21] Powless (4-0)

157 lbs. 5th Place Match- No. 6 Aarron Hynes (MICH) dec. No. 3 Kurt Kinser (IU), 10-4   
1st- TD Hynes (0-2), E Kinser (1-2), TD Kinser (3-2), R Hynes (3-4); E Kinser (4-4); TD Hynes (4-6)   
2nd- Kinser Chooses Down   
3rd- Hynes Chooses Down; E Hynes (4-7); TD Hynes (4-9); RT [3:56] Hynes (4-10)

174 lbs. 5th Place Match- No. 4 David Rella (OSU) dec. No. 6 Trevor Perry (IU). 5-2   
1st- TD Rella (0-2); E Perry (1-2)   
2nd- Perry Chooses Down; E Perry (2-2)   
3rd- Rella Chooses Down; E Rella (2-3); TD Rella (2-5)

184 lbs. 5th Place Match- No. 6 Anthony Biondo (MICH) dec. Eric Cameron (IU), 8-2   
1st- TD Biondo (0-2)   
2nd- Cameron Chooses Neutral; TD Biondo (0-4); E Cameron (1-4)   
3rd- Biondo Chooses Down; E Biondo (1-5); TD Biondo (1-7); E Cameron (2-7), RT [3:29] Biondo (2-8)

285 lbs. 5th Place Match- No. 5 Nate Everhart (IU) dec. Cameron Wade (PSU), 7-2   
1st- TD Everhart (2-0); E Wade (2-1)
2nd- Everhart Chooses Neutral            
3rd- Wade Chooses Neutral; TD Everhart (4-1); E Wade (4-2); TD Everhart (6-2); RT [1:33] Everhart (7-2)

125 lbs. Title Match- No. 3 Angel Escobedo (IU) dec. No. 1 Brandon Precin (NW), 3-2   
1st- TD Escobedo (2-0); E Precin (2-1)   
2nd- Escobedo Chooses Down; E Escobedo (3-1)   
3rd- Precin Chooses Down; E Precin (3-2)

WRESTLEBACK SEMIFINALS   
157 lbs.- Colton Salazar (PU) dec. No. 3 Kurt Kinser (IU), 4-1   
1st- TD Salazar (0-2)   
2nd- Salazar Chooses Down; E Salazar (0-3)   
3rd- Kinser Chooses Neutral; ST Kinser (1-3), RT [1:30] Salazar (1-4)

174 lbs.- No. 5 John Dergo (ILL) dec. No. 6 Trevor Perry (IU), 8-6 SV   
1st- TD Perry (2-0), NF Perry (4-0), R Dergo (4-2); E Perry (5-2)   
2nd- Dergo Chooses Down; E Dergo (5-3)   
3rd- Perry Chooses Down; NF Dergo (5-5); E Perry (6-5), RT Dergo [1:03] (6-6)  
SV- TD Dergo (6-8)

184 lbs.- No. 2 Mike Pucillo (OSU) maj. dec. Eric Cameron (IU), 12-1   
1st- TD Pucillo (0-2)   
2nd- Cameron Chooses Neutral;  TD Pucillo (0-4); E Cameron (1-4); TD Pucillo (1-6)   
3rd- Pucillo Chooses Down; E Pucillo (1-7); ST Pucillo (1-8), ST Pucillo (1-9), TD Pucillo (1-11); RT [2:24] Pucillo (1-12)

285 lbs.- No. 2 Ben Berhow (MINN) dec. No. 5 Nate Everhart (IU), 3-2   
1st- No score   
2nd- Berhow Chooses Down; E Berhow (0-1)   
3rd- Everhart Chooses Down; E Everhart (1-1); TD Berhow (1-3); E Everhart (2-3)
#20 Indiana Falls to #8 Fighting Illinois

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.- The #20 Indiana University wrestling team suffered a 25-6 setback Friday night at #8 Illinois.  A pair of Hoosiers came out on top in their individual matches.

Defending 125-lbs. national champion and fifth-ranked Angel Escobedo put the Hoosiers up early with his decision over B.J. Futrell.  Points were scarce in the opening bout as Escobedo recorded an escape and fleeing-the-mat penalty on Illinois for the 2-0 win.

Indiana got back on the scoreboard in the 149-lbs. match when Nick Walpole blanked Eric Terrazas, 4-0.  Walpole broke a scoreless tie 13 seconds into the third period with an escape to go ahead 1-0. He would later tack on a takedown and a riding time bonus for his final three points.  Walpole rode his adversary for the entire two minutes of the second stanza.

At 165 pounds, Paul Young showed some resilience, fighting back from two separate three-point deficits to even the score at 6-6 heading into the third period against #15 Roger Smith-Bergsrud.  The momentum ended there though as Smith Bergsrud controlled the third period in finishing off a 12-7 win for the Illini.

Eric Cameron was also very close to taking out a highly-ranked foe, dropping a one-point decision to #12 Jordan Blanton, 5-4.  A Cameron takedown late in the second period put him ahead 4-3. An escape by Blanton with just two seconds left in the period proved to be the difference, however, as he then posted a subsequent escape after electing to start the third period in the down position.

#20 Indiana 6, #8 Illinois 25
COMPLETE RESULTS:
125 lbs.- #5 Angel Escobedo (IU) dec. B.J. Futrell (ILL) 2-0; Team Score: 3-0  
133 lbs.- #3 Jimmy Kennedy (ILL) maj. dec. Matt Ortega (IU) 15-5; TS: 3-4
141 lbs.- Ryan Prater (ILL) dec. Andrae Hernandez (IU) 8-2; TS: 3-7
149 lbs.- Nick Walpole (IU) dec. Eric Terrazas (ILL) 4-0; TS: 6-7
157 lbs.- #2 Mike Poeta (ILL) dec. #12 Kurt Kinser (IU) 9-3; TS: 6-10
165 lbs.- #15 Roger Smith-Bergsrud (ILL) dec. Paul Young (IU) 12-7; TS: 6-13
174 lbs.- John Dergo (ILL) dec. #15 Trevor Perry (IU) 6-2; TS: 6-16
184 lbs.- #12 Jordan Blanton (ILL) dec. Eric Cameron (IU) 5-4; TS: 6-19
197 lbs.- Patrick Bond (ILL) dec. Matt Powless (IU) 7-6; TS: 6-22
285 lbs.- #9 John Wise (ILL) dec. Nate Everhart (IU) 8-4; TS: 6-25

Indiana is back at again on Sunday, returning to Bloomington for a 2 p.m. home match versus #16 Northwestern inside University Gym.