March 20, 2004
ST. LOUIS, MO – The University of Iowa wrestling team is second place with 78 points after the fifth session of competition at the 2004 NCAA Championships in St. Louis, MO. Oklahoma State leads the team race with 119.5 points.
Hawkeye senior Tyler Nixt (174) placed third and sophomore Paul Bradley (184) placed fourth in Iowa’s consolation matches. It was the highest NCAA individual placing for both in their careers and both earned their first all-America honor.
Nixt won his 35th season and 115th career match with a 6-1 win over Northern Iowa’s Eric Hauan in the consolation semifinals. He then went on to defeat Lehigh’s Brad Dillon, 9-3, for third place. Nixt scored a takedown and nearfall points in the second period and another takedown in the third period to seal the win. He ends the season with a 36-3 mark and his Hawkeye career with a 116-28 record.
Bradley scored his fourth straight win over Ohio State’s Blake Kaplan in the consolation semifinals with a 4-3 decision. In the third place match against defending NCAA Champion Jake Rosholt of Oklahoma State, he scored a quick takedown, but couldn’t maintain control, losing a 6-5 decision. Bradley ends the season at 26-11 and has a career mark of 37-18.
Hawkeye seniors Cliff Moore (141) and Ryan Fulsaas (197) will compete in Saturday night’s finals, which are set to start at 5:30 p.m. They will be aired live on ESPN2.
TEAM STANDINGS (Top 10 After Session V – Includes Points and Number of Finalists)
1. Oklahoma State 119.5 – 3
2. Iowa 78.0 – 2
3. Lehigh 73.5 – 1
Ohio State 73.5 – 1
5. Illinois 69.5 – 1
6. Nebraska 68.5 – 2
7. Iowa State 66.0 – 1
8. Oklahoma 62.5 – 0
9. Minnesota 61.5 – 1
10. Michigan 60.5 – 0
IOWA’S SESSION V INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
Consolation Semifinals
174 – Tyler Nixt (Iowa) dec. Eric Hauan (N. Iowa), 6-1
184 – Paul Bradley (Iowa) dec. Blake Kaplan (Ohio St.), 4-3
Third Place Match
174 – Tyler Nixt (Iowa) dec. Brad Dillon (Lehigh), 9-3
184 – Jake Rosholt (Oklahoma St.) dec. Paul Bradley (Iowa), 6-5