2001-02 College News - UM-Morris places 30th in NCAA II National Championships

March 11, 2002

UM-Morris places 30th in NCAA II National Championships

Lewis Falls one win short of All-American honors

Kenosha, WI - University of Minnesota-Morris sophomore Dante Lewis (Omaha, NE) fell one win short of his bid to gain All-American honors in the 2002 NCAA II National Wrestling Championships. Lewis, the NSIC champion for the past two seasons, was the number-three seed from the Midwest, finished the season with a 21-11 record.

Lewis opened the tournament versus the number-two seed from the West, Brian Pitts of Adams State College (CO). Lewis took control early scoring two takedowns in the first period, then wrestled more defensively to pull out a 6-5 victory.

In the quarterfinals Lewis faced Brandon Newill of the University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown. Newill who was the number-one seed in the East, was a four-time All-American and earned National Championship honors in this years tournament. Lewis grabbed Newill's attention in the first period when Lewis scored on two single leg takedowns building a 4-2 lead. Newill chose "up" or top position in the second period and cranked and pressured Lewis into nearfall points, which led to a 13-4 major decision.

The loss knocked Lewis back into the second round of the consolation bracket. Lewis dropped into the bracket versus Brian Burzynski of Kutztown University (PA). Burzynski, the number-two seed from the East, defeated Lewis in the 2001 National Championships 9-4 in the opening round a year ago.

Lewis grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first period and rode Burzynski for 1:10. In the second period, Burzynski chose "up" or the top position. Off the whistle he rolled Lewis into a three-point nearfall. At the end of the second period Burzynski led 3-2. In the third period Lewis selected the neutral starting position. Burzynski scored a takedown, then Lewis scored a reversal to bring the score to 5-4. Lewis let Burzynski go with 54 seconds left hoping to tie up the score with a takedown. But in the heat of the moment, Lewis cut Burzynski go with 1:02 of riding time. A takedown and two seconds of riding time was needed to tie up the match. Burzynski successfully stalled and defended his way out of the last minute and won the match 7-4.

The loss knocked Lewis out of the tournament, and his dream of All-American honors for the second straight year.

"Dante wrestled a great tournament," said UMM head coach Doug Reese. "He was dominating on his feet, unfortunately he drew a couple of All-Americans who were dominating on the mat with "leg wrestling". I was very proud of Dante's efforts. He had a great month of preparation. He wrestled and prepared like a champion. Dante is not officially recognized as an All-American yet, but in my mind he is the best I've ever coached. His time will come," said Reese. "Let's not forget - just qualifying to get in the National Championships is quite a accomplishment," noted Reese.

Lewis finished the season with a 21-11 record, earning his second NSIC Individual Wrestling Championship and qualifying for the NCAA II Championships for the second time in as many years.

The University of Minnesota-Morris finished tied in 30th place with NSIC foe MSU-Moorhead and ahead of Southwest State University, who placed 33rd in the tournament.