Oct. 31, 2008

Complete Results in PDF Format

DeKALB - A trio of true freshmen picked up wins and redshirt sophomore Pat McLemore locked down his starting role at 141 pounds, Friday night at the season-opening Wrestle-Offs.

McLemore (Hinckley, Ohio/Padua Franciscan), who won the 2008 Mid-American Conference title at 141 pounds, defeated Vince Castillo (Western Springs, Ill./Lyons Township) by major decision. McLemore registered three takedowns to take an 8-0 win.

True freshmen Izzy Montemayor (Barrington, Ill./Grant Community), Steve Zimmerman (Chicago, Ill./St. Rita) and Derrick Yant (Delta, Ohio/Pike-Delta-York) won their matches at 125, 149 and 174 pounds, respectively. Montemayor defeated fellow true freshman Bobby Wunnicke (Dodgeville, Wis./Dodgeville)12-6, while Zimmerman beat Mike Ryan (Kankakee, Ill./Bishop McNamara) by major decision. Yant bested redshirt freshman Justin Carlson (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) with an 8-0 major decision.

"That just goes to show you the outstanding recruiting class," head coach Dave Grant said. "We really feel good about the kind of team we're putting together for the future."

A pair of minor upsets highlighted the middle of the intrasquad dual. At 157 pounds, sophomore John Odeen (Coal City, Ill./Coal City) defeated MAC placewinner Bryan Deutsch (Columbia City, Ind./Columbia City) thanks to a takedown in overtime.

"There were quiet a few surprises, actually," Grant said. "Those were two very competitive matches that were determined at the end. That proves that the guys that come out and continue to wrestle to the very last, can really pull out some matches."

Anthony Victor (Farmington Hills, Mich./North Farmington) defeated third-place MAC finisher Bryan O'Connor (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North) at 165. Down 5-3, Victor executed an escape, followed by a takedown with 13 seconds left to defeated O'Connor 6-5.

At the two heaviest weights, a pair of redshirt freshmen earned wins. Scott Penny (Granite City, Ill./Granite City) controlled Jake Smith (Bennington, Neb./Bennington) at 197 for three periods, racking up 3:40 of riding time, to take a 10-2 major decision.

"One of his best qualities is riding," Grant said. "He gets people down on top, and those 197 pounders aren't used to guys hooking in legs and doing some of the things he's doing."

In the heavyweight division, Dakota Greenhaw (Monett, Mo./Monett) pinned Zak Saevre (Green Bay, Wis./Ashwaubenon) late in the first period.

After bumping down a weight class to 133 pounds, a role previously filled by two-time MAC Most Outstanding Wrestler Pat Castillo, redshirt sophomore Tristen DeShazer (Wichita, Kan./Wichita) pinned Chris Smith (Portland, Maine/Deering) in the second period.

"Last year, that option wasn't as available," Grant said of DeShazer's move to 133. "With his weight down, he can pull that strength card out, and he's quite a pinner."

Overall, Grant was impressed with his team's performance.

"The guys looked pretty competitive, and we're excited to go out and wrestle some one other than ourselves," Grant said.

The Huskies open the regular season at the Stevens Point Open, Saturday, Nov. 8.