Nov. 4, 2006
IOWA CITY, IA –
The University of Iowa wrestling team held its second day of intrasquad competition Saturday morning at the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex in Iowa City, IA. The Hawkeye fans that packed the wrestling practice room to watch the annual wrestle-offs were treated to a glimpse of Iowa’s young and talented depth. Three of Saturday’s seven winners are seniors, while three are redshirt freshmen.
Senior Mario Galanakis (Greenfield, IA) started Saturday’s matches off with a 10-3 decision over redshirt freshman Joe Slaton (Cedar Rapids, IA) at 133. Redshirt freshman Dan LeClere (Coggon, IA) provided the first upset of the intrasquad at 141, scoring a takedown in the third period to defeat returning all-American and junior Alex Tsirtsis (Griffith, IN), 4-3. Senior Alex Grunder (Wilton, IA) scored an 11-6 win over true freshman Travis Blasco (Old Bridge, NJ) at 149, and redshirt freshman Ryan Morningstar (Lisbon, IA) followed suit with an 11-1 major decision over junior Brad Medchill (Woodlands, TX) at 157. Two-time all-American and junior Mark Perry (Stillwater, OK) scored a 10-2 major decision over senior Ben Stedman (Sioux City, IA) at 165. All-American senior Eric Luedke (Colby, KS) scored a takedown in sudden victory to defeat Jay Borschel (Marion, IA), 7-5, at 174. Redshirt freshman Phillip Keddy (Vernal, UT) ended the competition with a 10-2 major decision over redshirt freshman Rick Loera (Park Ridge, IL) at 184.
The Hawkeyes will open the 2006-07 season November 18 at the Kaufman-Brand Open in Omaha, NE.
Saturday Wrestle-Off Results
133 – Mario Galanakis dec. Joe Slaton, 10-3
141 – Dan LeClere dec. Alex Tsirtsis, 4-3
149 – Alex Grunder dec. Travis Blasco, 11-6
157 – Ryan Morningstar maj. dec. Brad Medchill, 11-1
165 – Mark Perry maj. dec. Ben Stedman, 10-2
174 – Eric Luedke dec. Jay Borschel, 7-5 sv
184 – Phillip Keddy maj. dec. Rick Loera, 10-2