Jan. 30, 2009
IOWA CITY, IA — Hawkeye Head Coach Tom Brands collected his 70th career victory Friday night as his top-ranked Iowa wrestlers defeated Bucknell, 40-3, in front of 5,525 fans in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The top-ranked Hawkeyes improved to 18-0 on the season (2-0 Big Ten) and have won their last 32 straight duals. Bucknell fell to 8-8 (2-2 EIWA).
The Hawkeyes jumped out to a 23-0 lead with wins at the first six weights. Hawkeye senior Charlie Falck opened the dual at 125 with a 9-3 decision over Derek Reber to remain undefeated in dual competition (13-0). Iowa junior Daniel Dennis followed with his 35th career win at 133 – a 14-4 major decision over David Marble. Hawkeye senior Alex Tsirtsis showed no ill effects after having a wisdom tooth removed earlier in the week, sticking Adam Healey in 1:22 at 141. Iowa junior 149-pounder Brent Metcalf posted his 55th straight win to remain undefeated a 24-0 this season with a 4:20 pin over Kevin LeValley. Hawkeye sophomore Matt Ballweg posted his 20th career win with an 8-0 win over Tyler Riccio at 157. Iowa junior Ryan Morningstar gave posted his 20th season win with a 2-1 win over Andy Rendos at 165.
Bucknell won its only match of the dual at 174 where Iowa sophomore Colby Covington was wrestling for injured Hawkeye starter Jay Borschel. Covington lost a 7-2 decision to Bucknell’s Shane Riccio. Hawkeye junior Phillip Keddy got Iowa back on the winning track with a 14-0 major decision over David Thompson at 184. Keddy is now 18-0 in dual matches and has won his last eight bouts. Iowa junior Chad Beatty scored 13 takedowns to post a 26-11 technical fall in 6:20 over Rob Waltko at 197. Iowa junior Dan Erekson closed out the dual for the Hawkeyes by accepting a forfeit at heavyweight.
Next up for top-ranked Iowa (18-0, 2-0 Big Ten) is its first Big Ten road trip. The Hawkeyes will wrestle at Michigan State (5-4, 0-2) Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. (CT) and at #16/#17 Penn State (7-6-2, 0-0-2) Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. (CT).
MEET RESULTS
Iowa 40, Bucknell 3
125 – Charlie Falck (I) dec. Derek Reber (B), 9-3
133 – Daniel Dennis (I) maj. dec. David Marble (B), 14-4
141 – Alex Tsirtsis (I) pinned Adam Healey (B), 1:22
149 – Brent Metcalf (I) pinned Kevin LeValley (B), 4:20
157 – Matt Ballweg (I) maj. dec. Tyler Riccio (B), 8-0
165 – Ryan Morningstar (I) dec. Andy Rendos (B), 2-1
174 – Shane Riccio (B) dec. Colby Covington (I), 7-2
184 – Phillip Keddy (I) maj. dec. David Thompson (B), 14-0
197 – Chad Beatty (I) tech. fall Rob Waltko (B), 26-11 in 6:20
Hwt. – Dan Erekson (I) won by forfeit