Another nail-biter looms in Junior freestyle

[Rob Sherrill]

Illinois will again win the All-American count in the Junior Nationals freestyle tournament.

As we enter the evening session, Illinois has 14 Junior All-Americans. Josh Marchok could become a 15th medalist, but he must beat Northwestern freshman-to-be Alex Polizzi of Wisconsin in the next round, which is possible but unlikely. He's in if he wins and out if he loses.

This time, it's Iowa that's right on our heels. They have 13 All-Americans. Minnesota is next with 10.

That makes it two straight years in which Illinois has come away with double-digit totals of All-Americans in all four tournaments. Nice job!

Matt Garelli has already made the finals at 98. Here are the rest of those who are in:

98 - Garelli (finals); Nkosi Moody
112 - Derek Elmore
125 - Eddie Klimara
130 - Joe Gosinski, Trevor Jauch
140 - Blaise Butler, Edwin Cooper, Nick Dardanes
160 - Nick Proctor
189 - Austin Marsden, Dan Santoro
215 - Gage Harrah
285 - Chris Lopez

The last round was a rough one. Dardanes lost in three periods to Jacob Ballweg of Iowa, Klimara got countered for two with one second left in the second period and lost 2-1 to Mark Grey of New Jersey and Butler, ahead 2-0 in the third period, got caught in a chestlock and tossed to his back with five seconds left.

Let's hope for better luck tonight.

[CONDOR]

Is there more wrestling tonight? Thanks.

[Rob Sherrill]

Yes, there's a complete session. All pools will be completed.

[CONDOR]

Rob depending what the Iowa 215 does in his last match Illinois will either have a 5 or 7 point lead correct? I still am cautiously optimistic, our guys have some real tough matches tomorrow.