By Joe Ruby
Writer
The Bison wrestling team went 1-2 on its Midwestern trip this weekend, defeating South Dakota State 39-3 before losing 19-16 to No. 22 Nebraska and 39-3 to No. 2 Oklahoma State. Kevin LeValley ’11, ranked fourth in the nation at 149 lbs., won all three of his matches, including a 6-2 decision over seventh-ranked Jamal Parks of Oklahoma State for his 100th career victory.
Against South Dakota State on Saturday, Derek Reber ’13, Alex Pellicciotti ’14, Zac Hancock ’13, LeValley, Brantley Hooks ’11, Corey Lear ’13, David Thompson ’12, Joe McMullan ’13 and Jay Hahn ’11 all claimed victories. Thompson and McMullan earned major decisions, and LeValley scored a technical fall.
Later that afternoon, the Bison persisted against the No. 22 Cornhuskers but ultimately fell to the hosts. Each squad won five bouts, with Reber, LeValley, Hooks, Thompson and Hahn earning victories for the Bison, but Nebraska’s No. 2 Jordan Burroughs and No. 8 Tucker Lane earned enough bonus points to give their side the edge.
On Sunday, the Bison faced No. 2 Oklahoma State and could not break through a lineup full of nationally ranked wrestlers, including top-ranked Jordan Oliver at 133 lbs. LeValley managed the sole bout victory for the Bison. His win over Parks brought his record to 7-0 on the season, including 2-0 against ranked opponents.
The Bison take on their EIWA rival No. 15 Lehigh at home today at 7:00 in Davis Gym.
