Penn State defends (NCAA Wrestling) title

Penn State successfully defended its title Saturday night before a boisterous record-breaking crowd of 18,819 in the 82nd annual NCAA wrestling championships at Scottrade Center.

The Nittany Lions, who finished the final session with three undefeated champions and a pair of runners-up, wrapped up the title with 143 points, beating out Minnesota (1171/2).

It was the third national title for Penn State, which received championship performances four-time All-American Frank Molinaro (33-0) at 149, David Taylor (32-0) at 165 and Ed Ruth (31-0) at 174. Nico Megaludis (second at 125), Quentin Wright (second at 184) and Dylan Alton (third at 157) were Penn State’s other All-Americans.

"This team is real special. Every guy on this team is special, not only the 10 starters,’’ Molinaro said. "I knew the potential we had all season. You don’t know what could happen at this tournament, but I’d say this was almost max potential for us.’’

Penn State coach Cael Sanderson added, "They did what they had to do. We had all nine guys score points in the tournament. I’m proud of them."

Molinaro defeated Dylan Ness of Minnesota 4-1 on Saturday. Earlier this season, he defeated the Gophers freshman 16-10, 9-1 and 15-0.

At 165, Taylor completely dominated in a 22-7 technical fall over Lehigh’s Brandon Hatchett. He was named the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler. The only loss in the sophomore’s career came in last year’s title match.

"I wasn’t getting second again, I’ll tell you that,’’ said Taylor, who finished the weekend with four pins and a technical fall. "I just had to be relentless. I couldn’t be happier. I love wrestling, I love the fans and I love Penn State.’’

In a battle of undefeated wrestlers at 174, Ruth posted a 13-2 major decision over Stanford’s Nick Amuchasteguis (24-1).

Dominating performance by PSU. David Taylor was unbelievable the entire tournament. With Caal Sanderson in charge, PSU is establishing a dynasty.

Dominating performance...and next year’s team should be at least as good. Alton will return from his redshirt year and immediately become a contender for the NCAA title, and Ruth and Taylor just seem unbeatable.

Don’t forget Michigan’s Kellen Russell who defended his NCAA nation champions at 141 lbs.

GO BLUE!

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/03/michigans_kellen_russell_only.html

Final team standings:

1. Penn State 143
2. Minnesota 117.5
3. Iowa 107.5
4. Cornell 102.5
5. Ohio State 68.5
6. Oklahoma State 66
7. Illinois 62
8. Lehigh 61
9. Northwestern 42.5
10. Oregon State 40.5

Results — Finals:

125 pounds: No. 1 seed Matt McDonough (Iowa) dec. No. 10 Nico Megaludis (Penn State), 4-1
133: No. 2 Logan Stieber (Ohio State) dec. No. 1 Jordan Oliver (Oklahoma State), 4-3
141: No. 1 Kellen Russell (Michigan) dec. No. 3 Montell Marion (Iowa), 6-4 SV
149: No. 1 Frank Molinaro (Penn State) dec. No. 7 Dylan Ness (Minnesota), 4-1
157: No. 1 Kyle Dake (Cornell) dec. No. 2 Derek St. John (Iowa), 4-1
165: No. 1 David Taylor (Penn State) tech fall. No. 11 Brandon Hatchett (Lehigh), 22-7 (5:55)
174: No. 1 Ed Ruth (Penn State) maj. dec. No. 3 Nick Amuchastegui (Stanford), 13-2
184: No. 4 Steve Bosak (Cornell) dec. No. 6 Quentin Wright (Penn State), 4-2 SV
197: No. 1 Cam Simaz (Cornell) dec. No. 2 Chris Honeycutt (Edinboro), 7-5
Hwt: No. 2 Tony Nelson (Minnesota) dec. No. 4 Zach Rey (Lehigh), 4-1

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.