Nov. 14, 2005
DUBUQUE, IA – The University of Iowa wrestling team won seven weight classes in their 2005-06 season opener at the Spartan Open in Dubuque, IA, on Sunday. Winning event titles for the Hawkeyes were seniors Joe Johnston (157), Cole Pape (165) and Paul Bradley (184), junior Lucas Magnani (125), sophomore Matt Fields (Hwt.), and freshmen Thomas Magnani (125), Daniel Dennis (133) and Dan Erekson (197). The Magnani brothers shared the 125-pound title.
Dennis, Johnston and Fields had impressive season debuts. Dennis recorded two pins, a technical fall, a major decision and a decision en route to his 133-pound title. Johnston scored a pin, two major decisions and two decisions on his way to first place at 157. Fields scored three pins and a major decision before winning a 3-1 decision in the first sudden victory period over teammate Ryan Fuller in the heavyweight finals.
Also placing for the Hawkeyes were seniors Trent Goodale (3rd-125) and Gabe Ruhkala (5th-133), juniors Brett Stedman (3rd-149), Eric Luedke (3rd-165), Joe Uker (6th-165), Ben Stedman (2nd-174) and Ryan Fuller (2nd-Hwt.), sophomore Dane Pape (4th-184), redshirt freshman Michael Bucklin (3rd-Hwt.), and freshmen Christopher Johnson (6th-133), Ryan Morningstar (3rd-157) and Rick Loera (7th-174), and Johnson pinned five opponents to lead the tournament field.
The Hawkeyes will compete at the annual Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, NE, on Saturday. Competition is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Sapp Field House on the University of Nebraska-Omaha campus.