2008-09 College Results - Sanders, Thorn Earn Titles at Kaufman-Brand

2008-09 College Results

Sanders, Thorn Earn Titles at Kaufman-Brand

November 23, 2008

Individual titles by redshirt freshman Zach Sanders and sophomore Mike Thorn highlighted a solid showing for the University of Minnesota wrestling program at the Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, Neb. this weekend. Sanders’ title came at 125 pounds while Thorn captured the 141 weight class crown.

Sanders, who extended his season record to 8-0, won his quarterfinal match by technical fall before earning a 6-3 decision victory over Iowa State’s Andrew Long in the semifinals. Sanders secured the 125-pound title with a 9-7 decision victory over Wyoming’s Michael Martinez in the final.

Thorn’s victory in the 141-pound bracket helped the sophomore improve his record to 9-0 this season and included pins in the first two rounds. Thorn defeated North Dakota State’s Gabriel Mooney with a 4-1 decision in the semifinals before earning the 141-pound title with a 5-3 decision over Tennessee-Chattanooga’s Cody Cleveland.

Sanders and Thorn each capture their second individual titles in as many weeks after securing titles at last week’s Bison Open.

Two-time All-American Jayson Ness advanced to the semifinals of the 133-pound bracket before bowing out to prepare for his appearance at the NWCA All-Star Classic on Monday in Columbus, Ohio. Ness will face Illinois’ Jimmy Kennedy at the 43rd annual event.

Freshmen Atticus Disney (285 pounds) and Cody Yohn (174 pounds), both competing unattached as possible redshirt candidates for the 2008-09 campaign, each won titles competing in the amateur division of the event.

Dustin Schlatter, an All-American at 149 pounds a year ago, was the runner-up at 157 pounds. The sixth-ranked Schlatter won his first three matches of the weekend, including an 8-3 semifinal triumph over #19 Joe Knox of Tennessee-Chattanooga, before falling via a 6-4 decision to Nebraska’s Jordan Burroughs in the final. Burroughs is ranked third nationally at 149 pounds in the most recent NWCA/InterMat polls.

Sophomore Ben Berhow was also a runner-up for the Gophers, placing second at heavyweight. The 18th-ranked Berhow advanced in his first three matches before falling by a 5-2 decision to Nebraska’s Tucker Lane in the championship bout.

Scott Glasser was also a runner-up for Minnesota, and finished off an impressive run with a close 6-4 decision loss to fifth-ranked Stephen Dwyer of Nebraska in the final. Glasser’s trip to the championship match included a pair of major decision wins.

Senior Tyler Safrotowich (5th, 157 pounds) and junior Gordon Bierschenk (6th, 197 pounds) also placed in their respective weight classes.

Minnesota returns to action next weekend at the Northern Quad in Rochester, Minn. The Gophers will take on Northern Colorado, North Dakota State and Portland State in a dual meet format at the UCR Regional Sports Center starting at 10:00 a.m.