Hawkeyes Go 2-0 In Season Opener

Nov. 25, 2003

BLUE EARTH, MN – The University of Iowa wrestling team opened the 2003-04 season in strong fashion Tuesday night, defeating Southwest Minnesota State, 54-0, and Minnesota State-Mankato, 37-3, in Blue Earth, MN. Hawkeye wrestlers and Blue Earth natives Luke Eustice (125), Ty Eustice (149) and Jeff Pfaffinger (133) went a combined 5-0 in their homecoming.

Iowa recorded seven pins and two match-ending technical falls in the 54-0 win against Southwest Minnesota State. It is the second largest victory margin recorded by an Iowa team under Head Coach Jim Zalesky. The largest victory margin was 57-0 against Augustana in the 1998-99 season opener.

The Hawkeyes went 9-1 against Minnesota State-Mankato, recording team bonus points in six matches. Seniors Luke Eustice (6-0), Cliff Moore (7-0) and Tyler Nixt (12-0) and sophomore Paul Bradley (9-0) all recorded wins to remain undefeated in collegiate competition. Sophomore Ty Eustice won his 35th career match at 149 pounds, while sophomore Paul Bradley scored his 20th career win. Redshirt freshman Todd Meneely made his collegiate debut at 133 pounds, scoring a pin in 2:26.

The Hawkeyes will take a 2-0 season record and a seven-match winning streak to Arizona Sunday as they face Arizona State at 3 p.m. (CT) in Tempe and Embry-Riddle at 8 p.m. (CT) in Prescott.

MEET RESULTS
Iowa 54, Southwest Minnesota State 0
125 Luke Eustice (I) pinned Brice Whitacre (SMS), 2:22
133 Jeff Pfaffinger (I) dec. Keefer Jensen (SMS), 6-2
141 Cliff Moore (I) pinned Josh Soupir (SMS), 2:19
149 Ty Eustice (I) pinned Aldon Struchen (SMS), 3:43
157 Joe Johnston (I) tech. fall Shawn Plumley (SMS), 22-7 in 3rd period
165 Cole Pape (I) pinned Adam Barton (SMS), 1:10
174 Tyler Nixt (I) pinned Tim Johns (SMS), 1:09
184 Paul Bradley (I) pinned Aaron Mailey (SMS), 2:18
197 Ryan Fulsaas (I) tech. fall Joel Wipperfurth (SMS), 23-7 in 5:18
Hwt. Ryan Fuller (I) pinned Chris Abbott (SMS), 1:14

Iowa 37, Minnesota State-Mankato 3
125 Luke Eustice (I) tech. fall Bryce Bahe (MSM), 28-11 in 3rd period
133 Todd Meneely (I) pinned Shane Gulden (MSM), 2:26
141 Cliff Moore (I) maj. dec. Jason Rhoten (MSM)
149 Ty Eustice (I) dec. Sam Donner (MSM), 10-5
157 Joe Johnston (I) pinned George Lynaugh (MSM), 5:31
165 Cole Pape (I) dec. Matt Perrizo (MSM), 9-7
174 Tyler Nixt (I) maj. dec. Jon Dierks (MSM), 14-5
184 Paul Bradley (I) maj. dec. Ben Janike (MSM), 16-7
197 Ryan Fulsaas (I) dec. Josh Janousek (MSM) 9-3
Hwt. Mike Engelmann (MSM) dec. Ryan Fuller (I), 3-2