Wrestling

Jan. 12, 2013

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State wrestling fell to both North Carolina and Clarion on Saturday afternoon at Tippin Gym in Clarion, Pa. The Spartans lost a close dual to the Tar Heels, 23-21 and then fell to Clarion, 25-16.

"We gave up some big points early in both duals and those came back to haunt us," head coach Tom Minkel said. "We split with North Carolina, winning five matches but they scored more bonus points than we did. We just have to do a better job not giving away big points."

No. 4 Michael McClure won both of his matches by fall, pinning Cody Kemplay of North Carolina in 3:00 and beating Phil Cattrucco of Clarion in 6:54.

"Mike is wrestling really well and he is continuing to improve," Minkel said. "He isn't happy just being where he is at. He has some lofty goals and is getting more aggressive on top in particular, and that is really showing up in his results. Getting those falls today was a big boost to finish both matches."

The Spartans (4-5) dropped the first three matches of the dual against UNC to fall behind 16-0 and were unable to overcome the deficit, despite winning the final three matches.

Dan Osterman took down Nick Heilmann of North Carolina at 149 pounds, 5-2 and No. 19 David Cheza moved to 7-0 on the season with a 7-3 win over Jake Crawford at 157 pounds.

At 165 pounds, Nick Proctor dropped a narrow 6-5 decision to John Staudenmayer, extending the Tar Heels lead to 20-6.

John Rizqallah picked up his eighth dual victory of the season with a 6-0 decision over Alex Utley of UNC 6-0 and cutting the lead to 23-9.

The Spartans picked up back-to-back falls at 197 pounds and heavyweight but it wasn't enough to overcome North Carolina. Luke Jones beat Frank Abbondanza by fall in 4:25 and McClure pinned Cody Kemplay in 3:00 to secure his 21st win on the season and his sixth fall.

In similar fashion the Spartans fell behind against Clarion, dropping the first five matches of the dual and trailed 22-0.

Dan Osterman lost a narrow 7-6 decision to Tyler Bedelyon of Clarion at 149 pounds and No. 19 David Cheza lost his first match of the season to James Flemming at 157 pounds, losing by fall in 3:33.

At 165 pounds, Ryan Watts came away with a 3-2 decision over Nick Milano and freshman Jordan Wohlfert used overtime to beat Ryan Darch, 5-3, at 184 pounds.

Luke Jones lost to Justin Ortega at 197 pounds, 5-2 and McClure picked up his second fall of the day, making the final score 25-16 in favor of Clarion.

Next up, the Spartans will take on No. 1 Penn State tomorrow at 2 p.m.

North Carolina 23, Michigan State 21
125: No. 14 Nathan Kraisser (UNC) major dec. Brenan Lyon (MSU), 15-5; UNC leads 4-0.
133: No. 17 Joey Ward (UNC) fall Brandon Fifield (MSU), 4:15; UNC leads 10-0.
141: No. 6 Evan Henderson (UNC) fall Nick Trimble (MSU) 2:13; UNC leads 16-0.
149: Dan Osterman (MSU) dec. Nick Heilmann (UNC), 5-2; UNC leads 16-3.
157: No. 19 David Cheza (MSU) dec. Jake Crawford (UNC), 7-3; UNC leads 16-6.
165: John Staudenmayer (UNC) major dec. Nick Proctor (MSU), 13-0; UNC leads 20-6.
174: Tanner Eitel (UNC) dec. Jordan Wohlfert (MSU), 6-5; UNC leads 23-6.
184: John Rizqallah (MSU) dec. Alex Utley (MSU), 6-0; UNC leads 23-9.
197: Luke Jones (MSU) fall Frank Abbondanza (UNC), 4:25; UNC leads 23-15.
HWT: No. 4 Michael McClure (MSU) fall Cody Kemplay (UNC), 3:00; UNC wins 23-21.

Clarion 25, Michigan State 16
125: Tyler Fraley (CU) major dec. Brenan Lyon (MSU), 9-1; CU leads 4-0.
133: Joe Waltko (CU) fall Brandon Fifield (MSU), 1:50; CU leads 10-0.
141: Devin Cook (CU) dec. Nick Trimble (MSU), 3-2; CU leads 13-0.
149: Tyler Bedelyon (CU) dec. Dan Osterman (MSU), 7-6; CU leads 16-0.
157: James Flemming (CU) fall David Cheza (MSU), 3:33; CU leads 22-0.
165: Ryan Watts (MSU) dec. Nick Milano (CU), 3-2; CU leads 22-3.
174: Jordan Wohlfert (MSU) dec. Ryan Darch (CU), 6-4 OT; CU leads 22-6.
184: John Rizqallah (MSU) major dec. Steven Cressley (CU), 11-0; CU leads 22-10.
197: Justin Ortega (CU) dec. Luke Jones (MSU), 5-2; CU leads 25-10.
HWT: No. 4 Michael McClure (MSU) fall Phil Catrucco (CU), 6:54; CU wins 25-16.

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