Rhoten Ties School Record But Mavericks Suffer First Loss
Friday, February 8, 2008
Omaha, Neb. --- The #1 Minnesota State wrestling squad saw its first
set-back of the season as it suffered its first loss of the year in a
32-7 loss to North Central Conference rivals, #2 Nebraska-Omaha. UNO
won eight of 10 matches in the dual giving the Mavericks their first
loss of the season (16-1-1) while splitting the season meetings as MSU
defeated UNO (7-2) earlier this season in the championship round of the
NWCA National Duals.
Top-ranked 157-pound senior Jason Rhoten (Mantorville, Minn.) was the
highlight of the night for the Mavericks as he tied the school record
for career wins at 126 currently held by Jack Eustice (1972-76). Rhoten
provided a 15-4 major decision over UNO's Henry Wahle.
The other lone victory for MSU came from fourth-ranked senior Andy
Pickar over third-ranked Aaron Denson in a 8-5 decision. Pickar scored
a two-point reversal early in the third, then scored a takedown with 14
seconds left to secure an 8-5 decision.
In the heavyweight match, second-ranked sophomore Brady Wilson
(Faribault, Minn.) suffered an upset loss in the closest match of the
night. UNO's sixth-ranked Tony Lewis and Wilson locked-up in a match
tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. The overtime and first two
tiebreakers produced no points. Midway through the third tiebreaker
Lewis pulled off a double-leg takedown for a 3-1 decision.
The Mavericks will return home for their next action as they try to
rebound against the Minnesota State-Moorhead Dragons next Friday with a
7:00 p.m. start at the Taylor Center.
February 8, 2008 at Omaha, NE
#2 UN-Omaha 32, #1 Minnesota State 7
125: Cody Garcia (UNO) wins by major decision over Nick Smith, 15-3
133: Mario Morgan (UNO) wins by decision over John Putman, 6-5
141: Sim Brisbieseca (UNO) wins by decision over Tim Haneberg, 10-4
149: Todd Meneely (UNO) wins by major decision over Willy Mekeel, 21-8
157: Jason Rhoten (MSU) wins by major decision over Henry Wahle, 15-4
165: Andy Pickar (MSU) wins by decision over Aaron Denson, 8-5
174: Ross Taplin (UNO) wins by pinfall over Tim Matheson at 3:50
184: Brett Pankoke (UNO) wins by decision by Ben Becker, 8-1
197: Jacob Marrs (UNO) wins by pinfall over Tom Block, 2:22
HWT: Tony Lewis (UNO) wins by decision over Brady Wilson, 3-1