Wrestling Battles #8-ranked Cornell Down to the Final Match
Dec 10, 2015
MOUNT VERNON, Iowa - The University of Dubuque wrestling team battled #8-ranked Cornell College and the dual fell in favor of the Rams by a 24-15 margin. The two teams kept the match close and the dual continues to provide fans in attendance an exciting night of collegiate wrestling.
The match began at 197 weight class and the host Rams jumped out to a quick lead after capturing the first three matches by a slim seven point margin combined. UD's Sharrod Wilson lost the 6-8 decision at 197 lbs., Nolan Smith lost a 1-4 decision at 285 lbs., and Jared Bennett lost 6-7 decision at 125 lbs.
The Spartans Stephen Rosenburg pulled out the upset of the match by taking down and pinning #9-ranked Philip Opelt in 3:30 to slice the Rams lead 9-6. UD would split the following five matches highlighted by Adrian's Collier fall in just :46 at 149 lbs. John Denikus held on to a 14-12 victory at 165 lbs. to cut Rams lead 18-15.
UD needed the last two matches to earn a victory or a fall, but it was not to be as the final two matches went down to the buzzer. Elton Turnage lost 3-4 at 174 lbs. and Ethan Soderstrom was tied 7-7 before a one point escape by Cornell's Jard Cadena captured the match 8-7 in the final seconds at 184 lbs. The final two matches had the loud crowd on their feet and both could have fell the Spartans way.
#8 Cornell 24, Dubuque 15
Thursday, Dec. 10
Small Multi-Sport Center
Mount Vernon, Iowa
Match results:
197 – Aburough Abegesah (Cor) dec. Sharrod Wilson, 8-6.
285 – Eric Tucker (Cor) dec. Nolan Smith, 4-1.
125 – Scott Smith (Cor) dec. Jared Bennett, 7-5.
133 –Stephen Rosenburg (Dub) pinned #9 Phillip Opelt, 3:30.
141 – #5 Josh Martin (Cor) pinned Donovan Luckett, 4:51.
149 – Adrian Collier (Dub) pinned Nathan Shank, :46.
157 – Aaron Engle (Cor) dec. Alek Aragon, 7-1.
165 – John Denikus (Dub) dec. Ben Hewson, 14-12.
174 – Michael Maksimovic (Cor) dec. Elton Turnage, 4-3.
184 – Jarod Cadena (Cor) dec. Ethan Soderstrom, 8-7.
Rankings are NWCA
Referee: Mike Vantiger
Length of match: 1:32
Attendance: 140
