2017 NCAA Semis and Bloodround Notes
2017 NCAA Semis and Bloodround Notes
2017 NCAA Wrestling National Championship session 4 St Louis Missouri
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The semifinals and bloodround of the 2017 NCAA Tournament have arrived! We'll keep you updated with all the big news of the fourth session right here!
Brackets and mat assignments will be updated live on FLOARENA.
Notes on the first session can be found here. Second session notes are here. Today's morning session is here.
Before we begin, please, because he very clearly should win, VOTE FOR KYLE SNYDER FOR PRESTIGIOUS AAU SULLIVAN AWARD RIGHT NOW
TEAM STANDINGS AFTER SESSION III
1st - Penn State (74 pts)
2nd - Ohio State (59 pts)
3rd - Iowa (58 pts)
4th - Oklahoma State (47.5 pts)
5th - Cornell (47 pts)
6th - Missouri (43.5 pts)
7th - Minnesota (39 pts)
8th - Virginia Tech (35 pts)
9th - Wisconsin (29 pts)
10th - Nebraska (27 pts)
WRESTLERS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP - CONSOLATION
Penn State: 5 - 1
Ohio State: 4 - 1
Iowa: 4 - 1
Oklahoma State: 3 - 1
Cornell: 3 - 1
Missouri: 3 - 0
Minnesota: 2 - 3
Virginia Tech: 2 - 1
Wisconsin: 2 - 1
Nebraska: 1 - 3
Listen to Willie and CP give LIVE play-by-play of the championship rounds all weekend on FloWrestling Radio Live.
I'm pleased to announce that after a one year absence, the dog bone mat configuration is back once again for session IV. Our semifinals will run on the middle two mats (3 and 4) and the round of 12 matches will be on the exterior mats (1, 2, 5, and 6).
I hope everyone is enjoying St. Patrick's Day. After tonight's round, we'll be able to celebrate 20 finalists and 80 All-Americans, with only their exact placements to be decided. We'll also have 40 more wrestlers who are stopped agonizingly short from reaching the podium, as four wrestlers in each weight class will fall in the consolation round of 12.
We'll focus first on the semifinals and hopefully have time during the TV commerical breaks to get caught up with the bloodround.
J'Den Cox's mom just gave a truly incredible rendition of the national anthem. Really spectacular, so it's no mystery where Missouri's 197 pounder gets his musical talent from. Now they're playing the Dropkick Murphys' "Shipping Off To Boston", appropriate for St. Patrick's Day.
All that's left before the insanity begins is for Billy Baldwin to pump us all up with an NCAA promo. Billy is successful, as the crowd in the Scottrade Center is pretty hype. I expect this session to get rather loud.
Cruz attempts a slide by, but it doesn't land. Gilman in on a shot but a sprawl and scramble from Cruz results in a stalemate. No score in a cautious first period. They'll start the second 0-0.
Cruz on bottom, clean start for Clark on top. Gilman riding tough and he's got over a minute of riding time. But now Gilman gets called for locked hands! This may cost him if the match stays tight. The call is reversed! Cruz tries to dive out and Gilman drops to ankles. Gilman gets hit for stalling but doesn't allow Cruz to escape.
They start the third in neutral, Gilman doesn't want to go on bottom where he's been vulnerable this tournament. Gilman had riding time locked up, and then Cruz gets a single leg, it's up over his head, and he gets 2! Gilman escapes in and we're going to OT!
Gilman deep in on a shot, he almost has it on the edge of the mat. There's a scramble and Cruz is working behind. HE GETS THE TWO! CRUZ UPSETS UNDEFEATED GILMAN!
Iowa challenges but the call is confirmed. Gilman is the first no. 1 seed to lose in the tournament. Massive win for Lehigh as they get their first finalist since (I think, will check this later) Nate Brown (this is confirmed upon further research).
Jack Mueller, UVA vs Ethan Lizak, Minnesota
Mueller tries a boot scoot but he's too far away and Lizak defends. Lizak goes single leg, transitions to two legs and gets the takedown. First blood for Minnesota. Quick injury stoppage now. Mueller seems alright and we restart but Lizak gets to choose position and he goes on bottom. Lizak quickly gets a standing reversal and begins to go to work on top, where he is so dangerous.
Lizak maintains control in the second. He extends his lead to 6-0. Lizak is chewing up clock and wearing Mueller down from the top position, showing how he earned his nickname, "Backpack Lizak".
Lizak wisely chooses top to start the 3rd. It doesn't look like anything else will happen here, and Lizak is going to the finals as the no. 6 seed!
125 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Sean Russell, Edinboro
Nicholas Piccininni, Oklahoma State
Joey Dance, Virginia Tech
Nathan Kraisser, Campbell
Nato very methodically works from a high crotch to a double to a takedown. Clark escapes not long after and it's 2-1. Heavy hands but not much else to end the first with the same score.
Nato starts the 2nd frame on bottom. Clark gains 48 second of riding time but Nato eventually escapes. More hand fighting and that will do it for period two, Nato in the lead, 3-1.
Clark begins the third on bottom. He escapes on his second attempt and it's 3-2, 38 ticks of RT for Clark. Clark now works his arms around from the kneeling position and is awarded the takedown. But Nato escapes and it's tied up, RT not a factor. But there's another takedown by Clark! Almost identical scramble. RT climbs up over a minute! Clark rides out Nato! The Iowa crowd explodes!
Clark knocks off the second undefeated no. 1 seed in a row! Incredible finish. The Hawkeyes amp up the drama yet again, only this time they come out of it with a finalist.
Seth Gross, SDSU vs Kaid Brock, Oklahoma State
Single leg attempt by Brock but Gross uses his superior lank and defends. They restart. Gross, after his first shot is denied, finishes for two and leads. Gross working on a tilt and starts getting swipes. He'll get the maximum and it's 6-0. Now a stall call on Brock. Gross taking over this match.
Gross start the second on top and chases down every escape attempt by Brock. Now another stall call on Brock and thats a point for Gross. A third stall call makes it 8-0 as things start to look bleak for the Cowboys.
Brock shows some signs of life in the third to make it 9-3. A takedown to ice it and Gross will win 12-3. Amazing job by the SD State in getting a wrestler into the finals!
133 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Stevan Micic, Michigan
Zane Richards, Illinois
Scott Parker, Lehigh
Eric Montoya, Nebraska
Ashnault tries a shrug but Heil is too strong. They get in a scramble position on the mat, with Ashnault keeping his arms behind Heil's, but Heil powers through and and gets the two. Heil stretches Ashnault out and maintains control through the end of the 1st.
Heil starts the second on bottom with a 2-0 lead. Heil escapes with riding time at 0:01. It's 3-0 Heil and they both go back to stalking each other, looking for the right shot.
They start the third on their feet and there is zero on the riding time clock. Ashnault fights his way to a takedown and pulls within one. He let's Heil up and it's 4-2 Heil. Ashnault forces Heil out of bounds with a shot and Heil gets dinged for stalling. Heil and Ash trade deep shots but they are defended.
Time runs out on Ashnault and that's how it ends, 4-2. Oklahoma State gets a finalist and our undefeated, no. 1 ranked wrestler does NOT go down. Heil will go for National Championship number two tomorrow night!
Bryce Meredith, Wyoming vs George Dicamillo, UVA
Meredith wastes no time and gets a takedown in the first 10 seconds. DiCam escapes after giving up 30 seconds of riding time. DiCam gets a take down of his own. A flurry and some more scoring, and the period ends with Meredith barely hanging on from top and leading 5-4.
Meredith starts the 2nd on bottom and gets out in a hurry. There's a shot by DiCam and a scramble. Almost a no control fall for DiCam! Meredith wisely gives up two instead.
DiCam starts the third on bottom and escapes, then gets another takedown, he's up 9-6 now with a minute left. Now they're locked in a scramble and DiCam holds on for the win, 10-7! The Cavaliers have a finalist in George DiCamillo, three time a round of 12 finisher, now a top 2 finish guaranteed!
141 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Matthew Kolodzik, Princeton
Jaydin Eierman, Missouri
Kevin Jack, North Carolina State
Tommy Thorn, Minnesota
Zain in a deep shot, well, not so deep, but he muscles up and sucks Sorensen legs in and gets two. Zain will go to work on top where he is incredibly tough. Sorensen experiencing that toughness, as Zain grabs an ankle and a chin and starts working a bow an arrow. Zain gets swipes. Looks like Sorensen is in trouble. AND THERE'S THE FALL!
Zain's Pain Train claims another victim. A pin in the first period over the no. 5 seed.
Lavion Mayes, Missouri vs Max Thomsen, UNI
Mayes immediately tries to dig in underhooks as Thomsen fights out of the tie. Lots of scramble but neither wrestler able to gain an advantage. The period ends 0-0.
In the second Mayes starts on bottom and escapes after 21 seconds. It's 1-0 Mayes. Thomsen trying to go heavy hands from neutral. No change in score at the end of 2.
Mayes starts on top, he works riding time down to zero before there's a stalemate during a stand attempt by Thomsen. Then from out of nowhere there's a switch and Thomsen gets a reversal! Mayes quickly out and it's 2-2, riding time not a factor. 30 seconds left in the third. Mayes looks for a single and then tries a go behind, and doesn't look like he has it. Now they call it two! By a fingertip if that! And only for a second. Time runs out and of course it will be reviewed. And it's confirmed!
Right in front of the hometown fans, Missouri has at least one finalist here in St. Louis!
149 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Kenny Theobold, Rutgers
Micah Jordan, Ohio State
Solomon Chishko, Virginia Tech
Alex Kocer, South Dakota State
Berger coming right after Nolf, but Nolf drops down on a leg. Berger dives under and they scramble. Nothing but a stalemate is called. Nolf finishes his next attack for two and rides out Berger to end the period.
The second period starts with Nolf on bottom. He escapes and goes right back to work, snatching a single and getting two more. It's 5-0. Catch and release with another TD and it's 7-1 just like that. Nolf tries to work a cradle and wants to roll through. Nolf doesn't get it and the period ends.
Berger says he's not going to roll over for Nolf and he gets a takedown. Nolf escapes, it's 8-4. A few more scores than I can keep up with. It's 11-5. Nope, 13-5. Nolf pulling away. That's how it ends, Penn State gets their second straight wrestler into the finals!
Joey Lavallee, Missouri vs Dylan Palacio, Cornell
We expected a scramble fest but it's all strength at first for Lavallee as he bulls Palacio over for two. He can't hold Palacio down though and it's 2-1. Another single leg attempt for Lavallee and now we get the scramble. Legs akimbo. I couldn't accurately describe this sequence if I had all day. Now they are in another crazy tangle of arms and legs and Palacio pops out from behind for two. Palacio pulls Lavallee on to his back, somehow I don't know. But there are no swipes, for reasons I can't tell. It will be reviewed. No back points. This will have to be explained to me later.
The third starts and it's 4-2. Here comes another, you guessed it, crazy scramble, but it ends when potentially dangerous is called as knees really aren't supposed to do that. Lavallee finally gets a takedown, but Palacio makes him work for it and chews up some clock. Palacio escapes and it's 5-4. Does Lavallee have enough time to finish another TD? He does! it's 6-4. Palacio rolls the wrong way and Lavallee grabs him and starts getting swipes! That's it! A final mad scramble but to no avail. It ends 8-4, and the Missouri Tigers send their second wrestler to the finals in their home state!
157 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Joseph Smith, Oklahoma State
Sal Mastriani, Virginia Tech
Paul Fox, Stanford
Michael Kemerer, Iowa
A brief time out in the action as our local cable TV providers need to pay the bills. Semifinals will resume in just a few minutes.
IMar and EyeJoe have wrestled each other a couple few times, always with IMar coming out the victor. A cautious first period so far. No scores, a couple level changes. Nothing serious. Period ends.
IMar starts on bottom in the second. IMar is out in a hurry and they're on their feet. No more scores.
Jordan starts the 3rd on bottom, IMar riding tough now. Jordan so close to an escape but riding time click over a minute. Clock reads 1:12 as they review to see if Jordan escaped. He didn't. They restart. Huge mat return for IMar. Jordan running out of time. Finally the escape but 25 seconds left. RT locked up for Imar, he's effectively up 2-1. 10 seconds left. Jordan furiously attacking. A stalling call on IMar but it won't matter. The clock runs out. Tack on one more for IMar and it ends 2-1. IMar's quest for 3 national championships continues!
Logan Massa, Michigan vs Vincenzo Joseph, Penn State
It's an all Big Ten semifinal, just like the other match. Massa has beaten Cenzo (I think) twice already this year (Incorrect! I was thinking of Iasaac Jordan, who Mass own two victories over this year. This is Massa and Joseph's first NCAA match). Massa with a single leg attack, which is defended, and a couple shots on the edge of the mat, also defended by Cenzo. No scores.
Massa choses down to start the second. Massa escapes, stalks and takes a shot. A lightening quick sprawl and spin behind for Joseph. Two is not awarded at first but now he secures it. Joseph leads 2-1. Massa escapes and the period will end in neutral, tied 2-2.
They start the third, Cenzo on bottom. He escapes and leads 3-2, RT not a factor. Massa looks upper body, they go back and forth. Joseph gets hit with a stall call, and it's tied. Massa back at it, attempting to throw, they go down on the mat. Joseph somehow comes out on top for two! Pure muscle from Joseph! Massa escapes and is down by one. Trying to go kitchen sink. Nothing! Penn State sends three in a row into the finals! The fans roar in approval!
165 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Chad Walsh, Rider
Chandler Rogers, Oklahoma State
Daniel Lewis, Missouri
Brandon Womack, Cornell
Two freshman going at it in this semifinal. Zahid gets in on one of Hall's legs but Hall works for a stalemate. Zahid on a blast double, stuffed by Hall. Another shot by Zahid and an early stall call on Hall. We haven't had an upset of a number one seed since 133. Will this be the next? Hall in on a single leg shot but Zahid works for the stalemate this time. Zahid now dinged with a stall and we go into the second period scoreless.
Hall starts on bottom but escapes before RT hits 1:00. No more scores in a very measured second period.
Zahid gets a turn on bottom, and escapes with the RT clock reading a net 0:10 for Zahid. More caution and consideration for each wrestler, but Zahid scores after limp arming out of a whizzer. Two big points for Zahid, now under official review. They rule that Zahid pulled Hall's headgear! The takedown is waved off, and a penalty point is given to Hall. It's 2-1, Hall in the lead! Zahid goes upper body and leg trip, Hall stuff him and gets two! He's up 4-1! Zahid escapes and it's 4-2. Now a stall on Hall and its 4-3! That's how it ends! PENN STATE AGAIN! Four straight into the finals! And Valencia is the third undefeated number one seed to lose in the semis.
Brian Realbuto, Cornell vs Bo Jordan, Ohio State
Realbuto grabs BoJo's leg and slowly works up to grab the second to secure a takedown. Realbuto leads 2-0. Jordan escapes and it's a lot of heavy hands from both wrestlers on their feet. Realbuto in on another single leg, this time he pulls it up for a trip and a takedown. A quick escape and it's a 4-2 lead for the Cornellian.
BoJo starts the second on top and goes to work, putting in legs, looking for a spladle or something equally painful probably. BoJo is unable to hold Realbuto down. They're on their feet, a 5-2 lead for Realbuto. Jordan in on a deep shot, but Realbuto scrambles as so many Cornell wrestles can. He pops up behind Jordan like Houdini and extends the lead to 7-2. Jordan escapes, 7-3 Realbuto leads. Jordan manages to score a couple more and is now in on a single. Rrealbuto tries a gator roll! He get's stuck on his back. Jordan gets two plus back points! A crazy swing of the match with 30 seconds left!
Jordan rides Realbuto out, he will 11-7! Amazing! Jordan makes his first NCAA finals!
174 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Jake Residori, SIU-Edwardsville
Myles Amine, Michigan
Kyle Crutchmer, Oklahoma State
Zac Brunson, Illinois
184
Gabe Dean, Cornell vs Nolan Boyd, Oklahoma State
Gabe Dean giving up some height and length to Boyd, but I doubt he's giving up any strength. Dean in on a snatch single and gets a takedown. He's deceptively quick for a guy of his size. Dean is wrestling mean. Tries to suck back Boyd on top but doesn't get back points. Boyd escapes but Dean goes back to a single and wrenches Boyd down for 2 more. The period ends with Dean ahead 4-1.
Dean starts the second on bottom and gets a reversal with that deceptive speed of his. Boyd escapes to make it 6-2. That's how the period ends.
Dean goes optional start and will give Boyd one. They're hand fighting in neutral. Dean is taking his time, with the lead and no need to rush, and then bulls his way to two more with a double. That should ice it, and it does. Dean wins 9-3, not losing a position the entire match. Gabe Dean will be in the finals, looking for his third national championship in a row!
Bo Nickal, Penn State vs Sammy Brooks, Iowa
Brooks just won the Big Ten tournament, but he didn't have to beat Nickal to do it.
BO NICKAL WASTES NO TIME. OVERHOOKS TO A LATERAL DROP TO A PIN! PENN STATE GOES FIVE FOR FIVE. PENN STATE HAS FIVE FINALISTS. PENN STATE HAS A LOT OF GOOD WRESTLERS ON THEIR TEAM.
It takes Nickal all of one minute and one second to record a pin in the semifinals of the NCAA National Championship. Pretty, pretty, pretty... pretty good.
184 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Drew Foster, Northern Iowa
Myles Martin, Ohio State
Nathan Jackson, Indiana
TJ Dudley, Nebraska
Cox beat Haught earlier this year in a very tight, 2-0 win in a dual meet. We begin the rematch and quickly Cox gets a takedown on the edge of the mat. The local Missourians give cheer. Cox rides Haught tough on top. Cox has almost a minute of riding time as the clock expires on the first period.
Cox starts on bottom and fails to escape on his first attempt. He succeeds in his second attempt and it's 3-0 for Cox. No more scores in this period and we go to the third.
Haught opts for a neutral start and we're on our feet with two minutes to go in the match, riding time not a factor. Haught with a shot but Cox is too agile and slips away with about a minute left. Cox in on a single leg, and he won't let Haught escape out of bounds. He gets two to extend the lead and likely ice the match. Haught gets a reversal with maybe 2 seconds left in the match but it won't matter. Cox wins 6-2 when the RT point is added. Missouri goes three for three in the semifinals, and the local Missouri fans will have plenty to cheer for in tomorrow night's main event!
Brett Pfarr, Minnesota vs Kollin Moore, Ohio State
It's Pfarr Moore Part IV, which is NOT far more matches between these two than we need (yep, I said it, I went there). I could watch them wrestle every day. Pfarr, the crafty senior, Moore, the non-stop freshman, make for an entertaining clash of styles. And it's Pfarr that strikes first, the Minnesotan is up 2-0. Moore escapes, and soon after goes in for a blast double, gaining the lead. But it's an escape in short time and the period ends tied 3-3.
Moore starts on bottom in the second and gets a quick reversal. A quick escape by Pfarr and now it's Moore ahead 5-4. After a scramble, Pfarr gets a takedown on the edge. Another lead change, its 6-5 for Pfarr now. Moore escapes and it's tied. We enter the third with a 6-6 score. Wild match.
Pfarr is on bottom and escapes quickly to start the third. Moore goes in on a deep shot but Pfarr counters and it's 9-6 now for the Gopher. Moore escapes and goes right back in on a low single, then to a double, and it's two! The score is tied again, 9-9! Pfarr escapes, 30 seconds to go. Moore in on a shot, Pfarr sprawls, gets a leg, spins behind. He gets two! Time is running out. That's it, 13-9, Pfarr wins! Minnesota with their second finalist!
197 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Preston Weigel, Oklahoma State
Ryan Wolfe, Rider
Kevin Beazley, Old Dominion
Aaron Studebaker, Nebraska
Snyder and Kasper both spent time at lower weight classes earlier in their college careers, and neither move like "traditional" heavyweights. We begin the match and Kasper shoots in on Snyder and has the Olympians legs in the air. He can't convert and we restart after a stalemate call. Now it's Snyder's turn and he does finish. It's 2-0 in Snyder's favor. 2-1 after the escape from Kasper. And Snyder does not waste anytime going back in on another takedown attempt. Synder finishes and it's 4-1, then 4-2 after the escape. Snyder not looking to do much work on top this match.
We go to the second period and they're starting on their feet. Snyder gets another takedown. 6-2. Optional start and it's 6-3. Snyder counters a Kasper shot and it's 8-3. Snyder scores a lot of points in his matches. It also helps when he gets back points too. 14-4 now for Snyder to end the 2nd.
Snyder starts on bottom in the third. He escapes and it's 15-4. Yet another takedown for Snyder. It's 17-4 then quickly 17-5. Another takedown and release. 19-6 is the final score. Another tremendous display of skill and athleticism by Snyder. Ohio State gets another finalist!
Ty Walz, VT vs Connor Medbery, Wisconsin
Medbery beat Walz earlier this year, but he needed sudden victory to do it in the finals of the CKLV. The first period starts and ends in a hurry. Most of the period was spent in the middle of the mat, and it ends with no scores.
Walz starts on bottom and escapes after Medbery hits a gutwrench, which is worth zero points in folkstyle. Medbery is able to scramble for two and rides Walz out until the of the period.
Medbery starts on bottom and escapes quickly. We're on our feet, Medbery leading 3-1, RT not a factor. Walz in on a great high crotch, finishes clean and it's tied. An escape by Medbery gives the Badger the lead again, 4-3 deep in the third. Walz with a few shots but Medbery defends and chews up time with a headlock. A restart and more defense and that's it. Medbery wins 4-3 and Wisconsin will have a finalist!
285 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Tanner Hall, Arizona State
Denzel Dejournette, Appalachian State
Michael Kroells, Minnesota
Nick Nevills, Penn State
That will do it for day 2. I think it lived up to the hype. Not sure what else you're looking for in a college wrestling tournament if you think otherwise!
The placement matches start tomorrow at 10:00 am central time. The finals happens tomorrow night at 7:00 pm central.
Hope you enjoyed another session of tournament notes. I'm sure the typos were as bad as ever. Thanks for bearing with them and reading along anyway. We will see you tomorrow for the final day of the 2017 NCAA Wrestling Championships!
The semifinals and bloodround of the 2017 NCAA Tournament have arrived! We'll keep you updated with all the big news of the fourth session right here!
Brackets and mat assignments will be updated live on FLOARENA.
Notes on the first session can be found here. Second session notes are here. Today's morning session is here.
Before we begin, please, because he very clearly should win, VOTE FOR KYLE SNYDER FOR PRESTIGIOUS AAU SULLIVAN AWARD RIGHT NOW
TEAM STANDINGS AFTER SESSION III
1st - Penn State (74 pts)
2nd - Ohio State (59 pts)
3rd - Iowa (58 pts)
4th - Oklahoma State (47.5 pts)
5th - Cornell (47 pts)
6th - Missouri (43.5 pts)
7th - Minnesota (39 pts)
8th - Virginia Tech (35 pts)
9th - Wisconsin (29 pts)
10th - Nebraska (27 pts)
WRESTLERS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP - CONSOLATION
Penn State: 5 - 1
Ohio State: 4 - 1
Iowa: 4 - 1
Oklahoma State: 3 - 1
Cornell: 3 - 1
Missouri: 3 - 0
Minnesota: 2 - 3
Virginia Tech: 2 - 1
Wisconsin: 2 - 1
Nebraska: 1 - 3
Listen to Willie and CP give LIVE play-by-play of the championship rounds all weekend on FloWrestling Radio Live.
I'm pleased to announce that after a one year absence, the dog bone mat configuration is back once again for session IV. Our semifinals will run on the middle two mats (3 and 4) and the round of 12 matches will be on the exterior mats (1, 2, 5, and 6).
I hope everyone is enjoying St. Patrick's Day. After tonight's round, we'll be able to celebrate 20 finalists and 80 All-Americans, with only their exact placements to be decided. We'll also have 40 more wrestlers who are stopped agonizingly short from reaching the podium, as four wrestlers in each weight class will fall in the consolation round of 12.
We'll focus first on the semifinals and hopefully have time during the TV commerical breaks to get caught up with the bloodround.
J'Den Cox's mom just gave a truly incredible rendition of the national anthem. Really spectacular, so it's no mystery where Missouri's 197 pounder gets his musical talent from. Now they're playing the Dropkick Murphys' "Shipping Off To Boston", appropriate for St. Patrick's Day.
All that's left before the insanity begins is for Billy Baldwin to pump us all up with an NCAA promo. Billy is successful, as the crowd in the Scottrade Center is pretty hype. I expect this session to get rather loud.
125
Thomas Gilman, Iowa vs Darian Cruz, LehighCruz attempts a slide by, but it doesn't land. Gilman in on a shot but a sprawl and scramble from Cruz results in a stalemate. No score in a cautious first period. They'll start the second 0-0.
Cruz on bottom, clean start for Clark on top. Gilman riding tough and he's got over a minute of riding time. But now Gilman gets called for locked hands! This may cost him if the match stays tight. The call is reversed! Cruz tries to dive out and Gilman drops to ankles. Gilman gets hit for stalling but doesn't allow Cruz to escape.
They start the third in neutral, Gilman doesn't want to go on bottom where he's been vulnerable this tournament. Gilman had riding time locked up, and then Cruz gets a single leg, it's up over his head, and he gets 2! Gilman escapes in and we're going to OT!
Gilman deep in on a shot, he almost has it on the edge of the mat. There's a scramble and Cruz is working behind. HE GETS THE TWO! CRUZ UPSETS UNDEFEATED GILMAN!
Iowa challenges but the call is confirmed. Gilman is the first no. 1 seed to lose in the tournament. Massive win for Lehigh as they get their first finalist since (I think, will check this later) Nate Brown (this is confirmed upon further research).
Jack Mueller, UVA vs Ethan Lizak, Minnesota
Mueller tries a boot scoot but he's too far away and Lizak defends. Lizak goes single leg, transitions to two legs and gets the takedown. First blood for Minnesota. Quick injury stoppage now. Mueller seems alright and we restart but Lizak gets to choose position and he goes on bottom. Lizak quickly gets a standing reversal and begins to go to work on top, where he is so dangerous.
Lizak maintains control in the second. He extends his lead to 6-0. Lizak is chewing up clock and wearing Mueller down from the top position, showing how he earned his nickname, "Backpack Lizak".
Lizak wisely chooses top to start the 3rd. It doesn't look like anything else will happen here, and Lizak is going to the finals as the no. 6 seed!
125 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Sean Russell, Edinboro
Nicholas Piccininni, Oklahoma State
Joey Dance, Virginia Tech
Nathan Kraisser, Campbell
133
Nathan Tomasello, Ohio State vs Cory Clark, IowaNato very methodically works from a high crotch to a double to a takedown. Clark escapes not long after and it's 2-1. Heavy hands but not much else to end the first with the same score.
Nato starts the 2nd frame on bottom. Clark gains 48 second of riding time but Nato eventually escapes. More hand fighting and that will do it for period two, Nato in the lead, 3-1.
Clark begins the third on bottom. He escapes on his second attempt and it's 3-2, 38 ticks of RT for Clark. Clark now works his arms around from the kneeling position and is awarded the takedown. But Nato escapes and it's tied up, RT not a factor. But there's another takedown by Clark! Almost identical scramble. RT climbs up over a minute! Clark rides out Nato! The Iowa crowd explodes!
Clark knocks off the second undefeated no. 1 seed in a row! Incredible finish. The Hawkeyes amp up the drama yet again, only this time they come out of it with a finalist.
Seth Gross, SDSU vs Kaid Brock, Oklahoma State
Single leg attempt by Brock but Gross uses his superior lank and defends. They restart. Gross, after his first shot is denied, finishes for two and leads. Gross working on a tilt and starts getting swipes. He'll get the maximum and it's 6-0. Now a stall call on Brock. Gross taking over this match.
Gross start the second on top and chases down every escape attempt by Brock. Now another stall call on Brock and thats a point for Gross. A third stall call makes it 8-0 as things start to look bleak for the Cowboys.
Brock shows some signs of life in the third to make it 9-3. A takedown to ice it and Gross will win 12-3. Amazing job by the SD State in getting a wrestler into the finals!
133 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Stevan Micic, Michigan
Zane Richards, Illinois
Scott Parker, Lehigh
Eric Montoya, Nebraska
141
Dean Heil, Oklahoma State vs Anthony Ashnault, RutgersAshnault tries a shrug but Heil is too strong. They get in a scramble position on the mat, with Ashnault keeping his arms behind Heil's, but Heil powers through and and gets the two. Heil stretches Ashnault out and maintains control through the end of the 1st.
Heil starts the second on bottom with a 2-0 lead. Heil escapes with riding time at 0:01. It's 3-0 Heil and they both go back to stalking each other, looking for the right shot.
They start the third on their feet and there is zero on the riding time clock. Ashnault fights his way to a takedown and pulls within one. He let's Heil up and it's 4-2 Heil. Ashnault forces Heil out of bounds with a shot and Heil gets dinged for stalling. Heil and Ash trade deep shots but they are defended.
Time runs out on Ashnault and that's how it ends, 4-2. Oklahoma State gets a finalist and our undefeated, no. 1 ranked wrestler does NOT go down. Heil will go for National Championship number two tomorrow night!
Bryce Meredith, Wyoming vs George Dicamillo, UVA
Meredith wastes no time and gets a takedown in the first 10 seconds. DiCam escapes after giving up 30 seconds of riding time. DiCam gets a take down of his own. A flurry and some more scoring, and the period ends with Meredith barely hanging on from top and leading 5-4.
Meredith starts the 2nd on bottom and gets out in a hurry. There's a shot by DiCam and a scramble. Almost a no control fall for DiCam! Meredith wisely gives up two instead.
DiCam starts the third on bottom and escapes, then gets another takedown, he's up 9-6 now with a minute left. Now they're locked in a scramble and DiCam holds on for the win, 10-7! The Cavaliers have a finalist in George DiCamillo, three time a round of 12 finisher, now a top 2 finish guaranteed!
141 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Matthew Kolodzik, Princeton
Jaydin Eierman, Missouri
Kevin Jack, North Carolina State
Tommy Thorn, Minnesota
149
Zain Retherford, Penn State vs Brandon Sorensen, IowaZain in a deep shot, well, not so deep, but he muscles up and sucks Sorensen legs in and gets two. Zain will go to work on top where he is incredibly tough. Sorensen experiencing that toughness, as Zain grabs an ankle and a chin and starts working a bow an arrow. Zain gets swipes. Looks like Sorensen is in trouble. AND THERE'S THE FALL!
Zain's Pain Train claims another victim. A pin in the first period over the no. 5 seed.
Lavion Mayes, Missouri vs Max Thomsen, UNI
Mayes immediately tries to dig in underhooks as Thomsen fights out of the tie. Lots of scramble but neither wrestler able to gain an advantage. The period ends 0-0.
In the second Mayes starts on bottom and escapes after 21 seconds. It's 1-0 Mayes. Thomsen trying to go heavy hands from neutral. No change in score at the end of 2.
Mayes starts on top, he works riding time down to zero before there's a stalemate during a stand attempt by Thomsen. Then from out of nowhere there's a switch and Thomsen gets a reversal! Mayes quickly out and it's 2-2, riding time not a factor. 30 seconds left in the third. Mayes looks for a single and then tries a go behind, and doesn't look like he has it. Now they call it two! By a fingertip if that! And only for a second. Time runs out and of course it will be reviewed. And it's confirmed!
Right in front of the hometown fans, Missouri has at least one finalist here in St. Louis!
149 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Kenny Theobold, Rutgers
Micah Jordan, Ohio State
Solomon Chishko, Virginia Tech
Alex Kocer, South Dakota State
157
Jason Nolf, Penn State vs Tyler Berger, NebraskaBerger coming right after Nolf, but Nolf drops down on a leg. Berger dives under and they scramble. Nothing but a stalemate is called. Nolf finishes his next attack for two and rides out Berger to end the period.
The second period starts with Nolf on bottom. He escapes and goes right back to work, snatching a single and getting two more. It's 5-0. Catch and release with another TD and it's 7-1 just like that. Nolf tries to work a cradle and wants to roll through. Nolf doesn't get it and the period ends.
Berger says he's not going to roll over for Nolf and he gets a takedown. Nolf escapes, it's 8-4. A few more scores than I can keep up with. It's 11-5. Nope, 13-5. Nolf pulling away. That's how it ends, Penn State gets their second straight wrestler into the finals!
Joey Lavallee, Missouri vs Dylan Palacio, Cornell
We expected a scramble fest but it's all strength at first for Lavallee as he bulls Palacio over for two. He can't hold Palacio down though and it's 2-1. Another single leg attempt for Lavallee and now we get the scramble. Legs akimbo. I couldn't accurately describe this sequence if I had all day. Now they are in another crazy tangle of arms and legs and Palacio pops out from behind for two. Palacio pulls Lavallee on to his back, somehow I don't know. But there are no swipes, for reasons I can't tell. It will be reviewed. No back points. This will have to be explained to me later.
The third starts and it's 4-2. Here comes another, you guessed it, crazy scramble, but it ends when potentially dangerous is called as knees really aren't supposed to do that. Lavallee finally gets a takedown, but Palacio makes him work for it and chews up some clock. Palacio escapes and it's 5-4. Does Lavallee have enough time to finish another TD? He does! it's 6-4. Palacio rolls the wrong way and Lavallee grabs him and starts getting swipes! That's it! A final mad scramble but to no avail. It ends 8-4, and the Missouri Tigers send their second wrestler to the finals in their home state!
157 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Joseph Smith, Oklahoma State
Sal Mastriani, Virginia Tech
Paul Fox, Stanford
Michael Kemerer, Iowa
A brief time out in the action as our local cable TV providers need to pay the bills. Semifinals will resume in just a few minutes.
165
Isaiah Martinez, Illinois vs Isaac Jordan, WisconsinIMar and EyeJoe have wrestled each other a couple few times, always with IMar coming out the victor. A cautious first period so far. No scores, a couple level changes. Nothing serious. Period ends.
IMar starts on bottom in the second. IMar is out in a hurry and they're on their feet. No more scores.
Jordan starts the 3rd on bottom, IMar riding tough now. Jordan so close to an escape but riding time click over a minute. Clock reads 1:12 as they review to see if Jordan escaped. He didn't. They restart. Huge mat return for IMar. Jordan running out of time. Finally the escape but 25 seconds left. RT locked up for Imar, he's effectively up 2-1. 10 seconds left. Jordan furiously attacking. A stalling call on IMar but it won't matter. The clock runs out. Tack on one more for IMar and it ends 2-1. IMar's quest for 3 national championships continues!
Logan Massa, Michigan vs Vincenzo Joseph, Penn State
It's an all Big Ten semifinal, just like the other match. Massa has beaten Cenzo (I think) twice already this year (Incorrect! I was thinking of Iasaac Jordan, who Mass own two victories over this year. This is Massa and Joseph's first NCAA match). Massa with a single leg attack, which is defended, and a couple shots on the edge of the mat, also defended by Cenzo. No scores.
Massa choses down to start the second. Massa escapes, stalks and takes a shot. A lightening quick sprawl and spin behind for Joseph. Two is not awarded at first but now he secures it. Joseph leads 2-1. Massa escapes and the period will end in neutral, tied 2-2.
They start the third, Cenzo on bottom. He escapes and leads 3-2, RT not a factor. Massa looks upper body, they go back and forth. Joseph gets hit with a stall call, and it's tied. Massa back at it, attempting to throw, they go down on the mat. Joseph somehow comes out on top for two! Pure muscle from Joseph! Massa escapes and is down by one. Trying to go kitchen sink. Nothing! Penn State sends three in a row into the finals! The fans roar in approval!
165 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Chad Walsh, Rider
Chandler Rogers, Oklahoma State
Daniel Lewis, Missouri
Brandon Womack, Cornell
174
Zahid Valencia, ASU vs Mark Hall, Penn StateTwo freshman going at it in this semifinal. Zahid gets in on one of Hall's legs but Hall works for a stalemate. Zahid on a blast double, stuffed by Hall. Another shot by Zahid and an early stall call on Hall. We haven't had an upset of a number one seed since 133. Will this be the next? Hall in on a single leg shot but Zahid works for the stalemate this time. Zahid now dinged with a stall and we go into the second period scoreless.
Hall starts on bottom but escapes before RT hits 1:00. No more scores in a very measured second period.
Zahid gets a turn on bottom, and escapes with the RT clock reading a net 0:10 for Zahid. More caution and consideration for each wrestler, but Zahid scores after limp arming out of a whizzer. Two big points for Zahid, now under official review. They rule that Zahid pulled Hall's headgear! The takedown is waved off, and a penalty point is given to Hall. It's 2-1, Hall in the lead! Zahid goes upper body and leg trip, Hall stuff him and gets two! He's up 4-1! Zahid escapes and it's 4-2. Now a stall on Hall and its 4-3! That's how it ends! PENN STATE AGAIN! Four straight into the finals! And Valencia is the third undefeated number one seed to lose in the semis.
Brian Realbuto, Cornell vs Bo Jordan, Ohio State
Realbuto grabs BoJo's leg and slowly works up to grab the second to secure a takedown. Realbuto leads 2-0. Jordan escapes and it's a lot of heavy hands from both wrestlers on their feet. Realbuto in on another single leg, this time he pulls it up for a trip and a takedown. A quick escape and it's a 4-2 lead for the Cornellian.
BoJo starts the second on top and goes to work, putting in legs, looking for a spladle or something equally painful probably. BoJo is unable to hold Realbuto down. They're on their feet, a 5-2 lead for Realbuto. Jordan in on a deep shot, but Realbuto scrambles as so many Cornell wrestles can. He pops up behind Jordan like Houdini and extends the lead to 7-2. Jordan escapes, 7-3 Realbuto leads. Jordan manages to score a couple more and is now in on a single. Rrealbuto tries a gator roll! He get's stuck on his back. Jordan gets two plus back points! A crazy swing of the match with 30 seconds left!
Jordan rides Realbuto out, he will 11-7! Amazing! Jordan makes his first NCAA finals!
174 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Jake Residori, SIU-Edwardsville
Myles Amine, Michigan
Kyle Crutchmer, Oklahoma State
Zac Brunson, Illinois
184
Gabe Dean, Cornell vs Nolan Boyd, Oklahoma StateGabe Dean giving up some height and length to Boyd, but I doubt he's giving up any strength. Dean in on a snatch single and gets a takedown. He's deceptively quick for a guy of his size. Dean is wrestling mean. Tries to suck back Boyd on top but doesn't get back points. Boyd escapes but Dean goes back to a single and wrenches Boyd down for 2 more. The period ends with Dean ahead 4-1.
Dean starts the second on bottom and gets a reversal with that deceptive speed of his. Boyd escapes to make it 6-2. That's how the period ends.
Dean goes optional start and will give Boyd one. They're hand fighting in neutral. Dean is taking his time, with the lead and no need to rush, and then bulls his way to two more with a double. That should ice it, and it does. Dean wins 9-3, not losing a position the entire match. Gabe Dean will be in the finals, looking for his third national championship in a row!
Bo Nickal, Penn State vs Sammy Brooks, Iowa
Brooks just won the Big Ten tournament, but he didn't have to beat Nickal to do it.
BO NICKAL WASTES NO TIME. OVERHOOKS TO A LATERAL DROP TO A PIN! PENN STATE GOES FIVE FOR FIVE. PENN STATE HAS FIVE FINALISTS. PENN STATE HAS A LOT OF GOOD WRESTLERS ON THEIR TEAM.
It takes Nickal all of one minute and one second to record a pin in the semifinals of the NCAA National Championship. Pretty, pretty, pretty... pretty good.
184 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Drew Foster, Northern Iowa
Myles Martin, Ohio State
Nathan Jackson, Indiana
TJ Dudley, Nebraska
197
J'Den Cox, Missouri vs Jared Haught, VTCox beat Haught earlier this year in a very tight, 2-0 win in a dual meet. We begin the rematch and quickly Cox gets a takedown on the edge of the mat. The local Missourians give cheer. Cox rides Haught tough on top. Cox has almost a minute of riding time as the clock expires on the first period.
Cox starts on bottom and fails to escape on his first attempt. He succeeds in his second attempt and it's 3-0 for Cox. No more scores in this period and we go to the third.
Haught opts for a neutral start and we're on our feet with two minutes to go in the match, riding time not a factor. Haught with a shot but Cox is too agile and slips away with about a minute left. Cox in on a single leg, and he won't let Haught escape out of bounds. He gets two to extend the lead and likely ice the match. Haught gets a reversal with maybe 2 seconds left in the match but it won't matter. Cox wins 6-2 when the RT point is added. Missouri goes three for three in the semifinals, and the local Missouri fans will have plenty to cheer for in tomorrow night's main event!
Brett Pfarr, Minnesota vs Kollin Moore, Ohio State
It's Pfarr Moore Part IV, which is NOT far more matches between these two than we need (yep, I said it, I went there). I could watch them wrestle every day. Pfarr, the crafty senior, Moore, the non-stop freshman, make for an entertaining clash of styles. And it's Pfarr that strikes first, the Minnesotan is up 2-0. Moore escapes, and soon after goes in for a blast double, gaining the lead. But it's an escape in short time and the period ends tied 3-3.
Moore starts on bottom in the second and gets a quick reversal. A quick escape by Pfarr and now it's Moore ahead 5-4. After a scramble, Pfarr gets a takedown on the edge. Another lead change, its 6-5 for Pfarr now. Moore escapes and it's tied. We enter the third with a 6-6 score. Wild match.
Pfarr is on bottom and escapes quickly to start the third. Moore goes in on a deep shot but Pfarr counters and it's 9-6 now for the Gopher. Moore escapes and goes right back in on a low single, then to a double, and it's two! The score is tied again, 9-9! Pfarr escapes, 30 seconds to go. Moore in on a shot, Pfarr sprawls, gets a leg, spins behind. He gets two! Time is running out. That's it, 13-9, Pfarr wins! Minnesota with their second finalist!
197 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Preston Weigel, Oklahoma State
Ryan Wolfe, Rider
Kevin Beazley, Old Dominion
Aaron Studebaker, Nebraska
285
Kyle Snyder, Ohio State vs Jacob Kasper, DukeSnyder and Kasper both spent time at lower weight classes earlier in their college careers, and neither move like "traditional" heavyweights. We begin the match and Kasper shoots in on Snyder and has the Olympians legs in the air. He can't convert and we restart after a stalemate call. Now it's Snyder's turn and he does finish. It's 2-0 in Snyder's favor. 2-1 after the escape from Kasper. And Snyder does not waste anytime going back in on another takedown attempt. Synder finishes and it's 4-1, then 4-2 after the escape. Snyder not looking to do much work on top this match.
We go to the second period and they're starting on their feet. Snyder gets another takedown. 6-2. Optional start and it's 6-3. Snyder counters a Kasper shot and it's 8-3. Snyder scores a lot of points in his matches. It also helps when he gets back points too. 14-4 now for Snyder to end the 2nd.
Snyder starts on bottom in the third. He escapes and it's 15-4. Yet another takedown for Snyder. It's 17-4 then quickly 17-5. Another takedown and release. 19-6 is the final score. Another tremendous display of skill and athleticism by Snyder. Ohio State gets another finalist!
Ty Walz, VT vs Connor Medbery, Wisconsin
Medbery beat Walz earlier this year, but he needed sudden victory to do it in the finals of the CKLV. The first period starts and ends in a hurry. Most of the period was spent in the middle of the mat, and it ends with no scores.
Walz starts on bottom and escapes after Medbery hits a gutwrench, which is worth zero points in folkstyle. Medbery is able to scramble for two and rides Walz out until the of the period.
Medbery starts on bottom and escapes quickly. We're on our feet, Medbery leading 3-1, RT not a factor. Walz in on a great high crotch, finishes clean and it's tied. An escape by Medbery gives the Badger the lead again, 4-3 deep in the third. Walz with a few shots but Medbery defends and chews up time with a headlock. A restart and more defense and that's it. Medbery wins 4-3 and Wisconsin will have a finalist!
285 BLOODROUND WINNERS
Tanner Hall, Arizona State
Denzel Dejournette, Appalachian State
Michael Kroells, Minnesota
Nick Nevills, Penn State
That will do it for day 2. I think it lived up to the hype. Not sure what else you're looking for in a college wrestling tournament if you think otherwise!
The placement matches start tomorrow at 10:00 am central time. The finals happens tomorrow night at 7:00 pm central.
Hope you enjoyed another session of tournament notes. I'm sure the typos were as bad as ever. Thanks for bearing with them and reading along anyway. We will see you tomorrow for the final day of the 2017 NCAA Wrestling Championships!