ITHACA – If Penn was to pull off the big upset over No. 1 Cornell on Friday night, it needed to take wins early and build momentum over the host Big Red. That was not meant to be, however, as Cornell won the first two bouts and four of the first five en route to a 28-9 win over the Quakers.

No. 17 Mark Rappo held a 1-0 lead over No. 10 Frank Perrelli at 125 in the opening bout after two period, but Perrelli scored four points in the third period for a 4-2 win, giving Cornell a 3-0 lead. At 133, in a battle between No. 5 Rollie Peterkin and No. 6 Mike Grey, Peterkin found himself down 6-3 late in the bout. A reversal from Peterkin made things close, but Grey finished with an escape and takedown with 10 seconds left for a 10-5 win.

After a 2-1 win by No. 10 Zack Kemmerer at 141, two first-period falls for the Big Red extended the lead to 18-3 at intermission. No. 3 Kyle Dake pinned Andrew Lenzi in 1:00 at 149 and No. 11 D.J. Meagher followed suit at 157 with a fall over Brad Wukie right before the buzzer at 2:59.

Out of the break, No. 18 Gabriel Burak put three points on the board for Penn with a 3-0 win over Craig Eifert. Burak took Eifert down in the first and rode him out in the second to build a big riding time advantage for the win. No. 3 Mack Lewnes downed Canaan Bethea, 10-0, at 174 and No. 6 Steve Bosak defeated Erich Smith, 8-2, at 184 to clinch the dual for Cornell, halting any potential Penn comeback.

At 197, the latest installment in the Cam Simaz-Micah Burak story resulted in a 9-3 decision for No. 1 Simaz over No. 5 Burak. Simaz took control with a quick takedown and despite a Burak throw for two points in the third, Simaz was able to score the win.

At heavyweight, Kyle Cowan added Penn’s third win of the night with a 2-0 win over Stryker Lane. Cowan scored his two points with a double-leg shot late in the first and held on as the two big men each put together full-period rides.

Penn is now 9-5 in duals overall and 3-1 in the Ivy League. The Quakers finish Ivy duals Saturday afternoon at Columbia (3 p.m.)

125 – After a scoreless first period where Mark Rappo was close to scoring on the first restart, the two headed to the second period where Rappo chose to start from bottom. Rappo was able to escape 26 seconds into the period to take the first lead of the bout. In the third, Perrelli escaped off the whistle to tie the match, 1-1. Off a restart in the final minute, Perrelli scores on a single leg shot, scoring with 25 seconds left. Rappo escaped, but was then hit for a penalty point for grabbing head gear. Rappo with a couple of fakes, but no score and the match ended, 4-2 for Perrelli.

133 – No. 6 Mike Grey with the first takedown at 1:05, finishing a shot after a scramble. Peterkin needed time to escape, but scored it with 32 seconds left in the period. Grey chose bottom for the second period and worked a reversal 22 seconds into the middle period. Peterkin got his escape with 40 seconds left to close the gap to 4-2. Peterkin chose bottom for the third and escaped in four seconds to get within one, but Grey came right back with a third takedown with 1:23 to go, increasing his lead to 6-3 and locking up riding time. Peterkin was able to push through for a reversal, but Grey escaped and then ended a scramble with a takedown. Riding time made it 10-5 in favor of Grey.

141 – After a scoreless first period, Zack Kemmerer chose bottom for the second. He needed 15 seconds for the escape to take a 1-0 lead. Kemmerer with the first clean shot of the match at the midway point, but Manson catches a foot on the scramble and forces a stalemate. Manson goes to bottom for the third and escapes in five seconds to tie the bout. After injury time for Kemmerer after his best shot of the night ended with his ankle twisted badly, Kemmerer was ready to finish. Manson took a shot on the edge and the wrestlers went out of bounds with 12 seconds left. On the restart, Manson was hit with a penalty point for illegal contact and that point was the difference as Kemmerer took a 2-1 win.

149 – No. 2 in the country Kyle Dake ended any Penn momentum with a fall over Andrew Lenzi in 1:00. Lenzi got a shot early, but Dake stuffed it and pulled Lenzi over to an inside cradle and scored the fall.

157 – D.J. Meagher took a quick 4-1 lead on two takedowns in the first 30 seconds over Brad Wukie. Meagher works the all at 2:59.

165 – No. 18 Gabriel Burak scored Penn’s first takedown of the dual 35 seconds in against Craig Eifert. Burak rode tough, looking to use a reinforced bar, but couldn’t score the backs and settled for 2:22 of riding time after the first. Eifert scrambles for a while, but can’t get out completely and Burak completes the whole ride and brings 4:22 of riding time – and the point – to the third. Eifert sweeps for a single but Burak defends for a restart with 40 seconds left. On the whistle, Eifert was in, but Burak defended again and gets a hold as well and staves off the scramble for the 3-0 win.

174 – No. 3 Mack Lewnes scored first with a takedown 30 seconds in over Canaan Bethea. Lewnes scored three back points with a crossface and took a 5-0 lead to the second. In the middle period, Lewnes added to his lead with a takedown 45 seconds in on a low single. In the third, Lewnes needed 15 seconds to reverse Bethea and take a 9-0 lead. Lewnes couldn’t add to the score and took a 10-0 major decision.

184 – No. 6 Steve Bosak scored the first takedown with a single to the left leg and an inside trip midway through the first period over Erich Smith. Bosak works the nearfall at the buzzer, scoring two backs and taking a 4-0 lead after one. In the second, Smith chose neutral and neither man was able to score despite two scrambles. Bosak chose top for the third, looking to work more back points. With 45 seconds left, Bosak got those backpoints, increasing his lead to 7-0. Smith doesn’t give in and scores a reversal at the buzzer. Bosak holds on though for the 8-2 win.

197 – No. 1 Cam Simaz scores quickly on No. 5 Micah Burak with a quick single and trip in first 18 seconds. Burak cannot escape and trailed 2-0 after one with a stall warning issued to Simaz. In the second, Simaz chose bottom and escaped quickly. Simaz with a low ankle pick and connects to increase his lead to 5-0 after two. Burak with a throw for two points with 1:23 left but can’t score backs because they are on the outside. Burak was in position for a throw again, but Simaz shrugged out and scored the takedown with 11 seconds left. Burak escaped, but not enough time left and Simaz takes a 9-3 decision.

285 – Kyle Cowan busted through a double shot with 30 seconds left to take a 2-0 lead over Stryker Lane. Cowan rode the whole second period, building 2:30 of riding time after two periods. Lane went with top in the third, throwing in a half on the first start and coming close to a turn but couldn’t lock it up. On the restart, Lane went back to the half, but Cowan staved off a turn and Lane’s full ride only erased riding time as Cowan picked up a 2-0 win.

125 – No. 10 Frank Perrelli (Cornell) def. No. 17 Mark Rappo (Penn), 4-2 (Cornell leads, 3-0)
133 – No. 6 Mike Grey (Cornell) def. No. 5 Rollie Peterkin (Penn), 10-5 (Cornell leads, 6-0)
141 – No. 10 Zack Kemmerer (Penn) def. Corey Manson (Cornell), 2-1 (Cornell leads, 6-3)
149 – No. 3 Kyle Dake (Cornell) def. Andrew Lenzi (Penn) FALL 1:00 (Cornell leads, 12-3)
157 – No. 11 D.J. Meagher (Cornell) def. Brad Wukie (Penn) FALL 2:59 (Cornell leads, 18-3)
165 – No. 18 Gabriel Burak (Penn) def. Craig Eifert (Cornell), 3-0 (Cornell leads, 18-6)
174 – No. 3 Mack Lewnes (Cornell) def. Canaan Bethea (Penn), 10-0 (Cornell leads, 22-6)
184 – No. 6 Steve Bosak (Cornell) def. Erich Smith, 8-2 (Cornell leads, 25-6)
197 – No. 1 Cam Simaz (Cornell) def. No. 5 Micah Burak (Penn), 9-3 (Cornell leads, 28-6)
285 – Kyle Cowan (Penn) def. Stryker Lane (Cornell), 2-0 (Cornell leads, 28-9)

Courtesy of Charles P. Dorman, Associate Director of Athletic Communications, University of Pennsylvania

By Libe Slope, Special to TheOpenMat

The highly anticipated season opener for the #1 ranked Cornell wrestling team ended with a comfortable 24-10 victory over #6 Central Michigan. After dropping the first two matches of the evening, the Big Red reeled off seven straight wins in front of a sold out crowd at the Friedman Center to move to 1-0 on the season. Corey Manson (141), Kyle Dake (149), DJ Meagher (157), Justin Kerber (165), Mack Lewnes (174), Steve Bosak (184) and Cam Simaz (197) were all victorious for the Big Red.

“I was nervous going into it,” Cornell head coach Rob Koll said after the match. “They are a really tough team and we have not wrestled well historically in the first match out. So I was optimistic but in the back of my mind, I have to admit I had a little worry. Then when we lost the first two, I thought, ‘Oh no, it’s happening again’. But we got it together and after that, I thought the guys looked fantastic. I’m glad we got out of there with no injuries.”

Facing a 7-0 deficit in the team score, senior 141 pounder Corey Manson turned the tide with a hard fought 3-2 decision over Scott Mattingly. Manson got the bout’s only takedown in the third period.

“It was tough at the end,” Koll said. “I think I might have lost a little hair. But Corey got us going.”

Defending national champion Kyle Dake then gutted out a 6-2 decision over Donnie Corby. Corby started the scoring with a reversal in the second period, but it was all Dake from there.

“Kyle was hurt all week,” Koll said. “He didn’t wrestle live all week and it showed. He was sluggish but he pulled it out – that’s Kyle.”

Senior DJ Meagher, returning to the mat after missing nearly all of last season with an injury, kept the momentum going Cornell’s way with a solid 6-1 triumph over Eric Cubberly. After opening the scoring with an escape, Meagher pushed the pace and was rewarded with a takedown right at the second period buzzer. After a Cubberly escape in the third, Meagher added another takedown and riding time.

“That’s the best I’ve ever seen DJ wrestle in his college career,” Koll remarked. “If he wrestles like that from now until the end of the year, he’ll place at nationals.”

After the intermission, the Big Red wrestlers picked up where they left off, with Justin Kerber earning three points with a 7-2 win over Adam Miller. Kerber got two with an upper body move in the first and rode tough for the remainder of the first and much of the second period. In the third, Kerber scored a reversal and another takedown.

In a matchup of two of the top ranked competitors in the nation at 174 pounds, Mack Lewnes scored an impressive 6-2 victory over Ben Bennett. Lewnes controlled the match, picking up two takedowns, an escape and riding time.

“That was a great match for Mack,” Koll said. “He’s disappointed when he only wins by three or four against the number three guy in the country, but that’s how tough Mack is.”

At 184, Steve Bosak was the aggressor in the scoreless first period and then spent nearly the rest of the match in the top position in a 4-0 victory. He rode Chad Friend for the entire second period and after a quick escape and takedown in the third, rode Friend out for the remainder of the bout.

Cam Simaz played takedown and release before bringing the crowd to its feet with a first period fall against Craig Kelliher at 197 pounds. Simaz had five first period takedowns before putting Kelliher on his back.

In the final bout of the night, Central Michigan’s Jarrod Trice picked up his team’s first victory since early in the dual with a 4-2 decision over Oney Snyder.

Central Michigan’s other two victories came in a 3-1 sudden victory upset by Kyle Waldo over Cornell’s Frank Perrelli at 125 pounds and a 9-1 major decision by Scotti Sentes at 133 over Joe Stanzione.

Both teams return to action on Saturday morning at the Body Bar Invitational, held on the Cornell campus.

ITHACA, N.Y. - No. 1 Cornell won seven of 10 matchups and defeated No. 6 Central Michigan, 24-10, in the dual season opener for both teams Friday night.

Cornell won seven straight bouts after the Chippewas opened with victories at 125 and 133 pounds. Kyle Waldo (125), Scotti Sentes (133) and Jarod Trice (285) recorded CMU’s three victories in the dual.

Waldo won his CMU debut in dramatic fashion, defeating Frank Perrelli in sudden victory, 3-1. The match was tied 1-1 after Waldo and Perrelli traded escapes, and a scramble late in the third period resulted in zero points for either wrestler. Waldo shot 15 seconds into the sudden victory period and scored on a single-leg to give the Chippewas an early 3-0 lead.

Sentes stretched the Chippewas’ lead to 7-0 with a 9-1 major decision over Joe Stanzione. Sentes scored a takedown in the first period, reversal in the second and two takedowns in the third while building a riding time advantage of nearly five minutes.

At 141 pounds, Corey Manson’s takedown in the final minute was the difference in a 3-2 decision over CMU’s Scott Mattingly.

Kyle Dake, ranked second nationally at 149 pounds, made it two straight wins for the Big Red with a come-from-behind 6-2 decision over Donnie Corby. Corby led 2-1 entering the third period, but Dake scored a reversal in the opening seconds of the third period and added two back points to earn the decision.

Cornell took the lead for good when D.J. Meagher defeated CMU’s Eric Cubberly at 157 pounds, 6-1. Meagher scored a takedown at the buzzer in the second period to build a 3-0 lead, then countered a shot by Cubberly in the third period to extend his lead to 5-1. Meagher added the riding time point for the 6-1 decision.

Cornell recorded its fourth straight decision when No. 5 Justin Kerber defeated Adam Miller, 7-2, at 165 pounds. Kerber led 2-1 entering the final period, but scored a reversal and a takedown in the final two minutes to extend the Big Red’s lead to 12-7.

The most anticipated match of the night came at 174 pounds, where No. 1 Mack Lewnes (Cornell) met No. 4 Ben Bennett (CMU). After a scoreless first period, Bennett took a 1-0 lead on an escape midway through the second period. Bennett shot on a single leg later in the period, but Lewnes defended and scored a takedown of his own for a 2-1 lead. Lewnes quickly escaped to open the third period, then took Bennett down off a scramble later in the period to extend his lead to 5-1. Bennett added an escape and Lewnes tacked on riding time for the final 6-2 margin.

Steve Bosak extended Cornell’s lead to 18-7 with a 4-0 decision over Chad Friend at 184 pounds. Bosak took control of the match with a takedown in the third period.

No. 1-ranked Cam Simaz scored bonus points for the Big Red with his pin of CMU’s Craig Kelliher at 197 pounds. Simaz scored five first-period takedowns before recording the fall at the 2:58 mark.

Trice closed the night with a 4-0 decision over Oney Snyder. Trice did all of his scoring in the final period. He rode out Snyder in the second, scored an escape and a takedown in the third and added the riding time point.

CMU is back in action Saturday when it competes at the Body Bar Invitational at Cornell. Trice will travel to Fresno, Calif. on Saturday and compete in the NWCA All-Star Classic on Sunday.

No. 1 Cornell 24, No. 6 Central Michigan 10

125: Kyle Waldo (CMU) dec. No. 16 Frank Perrelli, 3-1 SV1; CMU leads 3-0
133: No. 6 Scotti Sentes (CMU) maj. dec. Joe Stanzione, 9-1; CMU leads 7-0
141: No. 19 Corey Manson (Cornell) dec. Scott Mattingly, 3-2; CMU leads 7-3
149: No. 2 Kyle Dake (Cornell) dec. Donnie Corby, 6-2; CMU leads 7-6
157: D.J. Meagher (Cornell) dec. Eric Cubberly, 6-1; Cornell leads 9-7
165: No. 5 Justin Kerber (Cornell) dec. Adam Miller, 7-2; Cornell leads 12-7
174: No. 1 Mack Lewnes (Cornell) dec. No. 4 Ben Bennett, 6-2; Cornell leads 15-7
184: No. 4 Steve Bosak (Cornell) dec. Chad Friend, 4-0; Cornell leads 18-7
197: No. 1 Cam Simaz (Cornell) pin Craig Kelliher at 2:58; Cornell leads 24-7
285: No. 2 Jarod Trice (CMU) dec. Oney Snyder, 4-0; Cornell wins 24-10

Courtesy of Sports Information

Cornell continues to add to their stable by receiving a verbal from TOM’s #6 Top Prospect at 125, Bricker Dixon of Park Hill, MO.

Dixon is a State Champion and 3 x Finalist. He is also a 3 x Fargo Medalist and Toshiba MWC Champion.

Dixon is a heady wrestler. He dominates most. Against top competition, he becomes a counter wrestler. While I’d like to see a bit more aggressiveness, his results are undeniable; Dixon goes to, and performs well at, major national tournaments and has several wins vs. ranked wrestlers the past year.

By Josh Liebman – Special to The Open Mat

STUDENT ATHLETE-Nothing epitomizes the term Student Athlete or amateur athlete like an Ivy Leaguer; I don’t think I am going too far out on a limb if I say an average Ivy League wrestler has a tougher course load then most. Personally I think it is a good thing for College Sports to have Ivy League Schools competing on a high level whether it’s wrestling, or another sport basketball or lacrosse.

IT’S A EAST COAST THING- Wrestling has been dominated by the Midwest forever the last team not named Iowa, Oklahoma State or Minnesota was Arizona State over 20 years ago (1988) Cornell’s Roster of over 40 wrestlers only has 10 guys not from the east coast and only 2 of there projected starters are not east coasters, Justin Kerber (Iowa) and Cam Simaz (Michigan), Cory Manson is from Tennessee which isn’t Midwest or East Coast. I am a fan of parity in sports. I like the fact that top wrestlers can stay closer to home and still compete on a high level. Programs such as Cornell, Lehigh, Penn State, Maryland and Rutgers have made huge strides and have increased the fan base east of the Mississippi and have succeeded in creating a real collegiate wrestling culture on the east coast which will help the sport on all levels.

UNDER PRESSURE– I have to say I have enjoyed the Redman Videos. Seeing wrestlers like Kyle Dake, Mack Lewnes and Mike Grey not taking them selves to seriously and having fun with the expectations is great, you’re the number 1# team in the nation enjoy it!!

DOWN THE ROAD- with the NCAA tournament being held in Philly this year I think it is extra special to have a semi-home team as the early favorite. I think it will be really fun watching the fans at this years championships riding the rollercoaster of emotions that is the NCAA’s

COACH KOLL- Rob Koll is a very charismatic coach and can relate to all types of people whether they grew up on a dairy farm or at the Jersey shore. To have people like Coach Koll being one of the faces of our sport will help bring wrestling closer to mainstream coverage. He has been a forward thinker and a great promoter of his program and the sport in general, I don’t see anything wrong with the stereotypical cauliflower eared ball of intensity coach/wrestler but I do feel it is important that people realize wrestlers are not just fine tuned tough as nails athletes there is more to them than mangled ears. Some go on to be Doctors, Lawyers, Politicians, Fortune 500 executives, Scientists and the teachers of our youth. Coach Koll is a great ambassador of this.

TOM was able to catch up with Chris Villalonga of Cornell. Villalonga was our #3 top prospect at 149 last year and looks to add to his list of accomplishments at Cornell. The Blair Academy alum will add depth and fire power to our Pre-season #1 Team.

Below is our 7 minutes with Chris.

TOM: To date what is your most memorable match and why?

CV: I would have to say it was wrestling for team USA at the Dapper Dan and receiving the OW award, it was a great way to end my high school wrestling career.

TOM: What brought you to Cornell?

CV: What brought me to Cornell was the fact that I felt it was the best combination of academics and wrestling; after my official visit I just felt like it was a perfect fit for me. Now that I am here I know I made the right decision

TOM: What are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?

CV: I am looking forward being a part of a team that is full of great teammates and outstanding coaches; and of course winning a team National Championship would be icing on the cake.

TOM: How have you improved from last season to this one? What helped that improvement?

CV: Training this summer at Cornell while taking summer classes has helped me get stronger and improve on the mat. Being competitive in college I believe requires a different mindset because of the length of the season and the quality of the competition so I try to improve a little everyday I train. I still have a long way to go but I have to take it one day at a time.

TOM: What is your favorite sport, besides wrestling?

CV: I started playing baseball at a very early age; and I am a pretty big fan of the sport today. Unfortunately I am a frustrated New York Mets fan at the moment.

TOM: As a recruit what were the main things you considered when picking a school?

CV: First and foremost it was choosing a school that would prepare me for life beyond wrestling. Being close to home and my family was also very important to me, as well as being part of a competitive team with great coaches and team chemistry.

TOM: What person has had the biggest impact on your wrestling career and why?

CV: The person who has had the biggest impact on my wrestling career is my high school coach Jeff Buxton. He’s done more for me than just turn me into a good wrestler; he goes beyond the skills and techniques. He taught me mental toughness, as well as how to deal with adversity.

He builds your character as he teaches you how to be a man and take responsibility for your decisions. Since Blair is a boarding school he is the father figure to the team, and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for his wrestlers.

Following a successful 2009-2010 season, Cornell Wrestling is excited to look forward toward the 2010-2011 season, which promises to chart new territory for the Big Red. For a review of last season and preview of next season including notes from Head Coach Rob Koll and an announcement of the recruiting class, please check out the Cornell Wrestling

2010-2011 Season Preview Newsletter

ITHACA, N.Y. – Cornell will welcome four teams to Ithaca that finished in the top 25 at last season’s NCAA tournament, including a big dual meet against Iowa State, during its recently announced 2010-11 season. Coming off a second-place NCAA finish a year ago, Rob Koll’s Big Red team opens its season at home against Central Michigan on Friday, Nov. 19 at Newman Arena.

The match that many will highlight will be when Iowa State visits Cornell in Newman Arena on Jan. 30 in a dual between a pair of teams considered to be preseason national championship contenders. The Cyclones knocked off the Big Red a year ago in Ithaca, 24-13, before Cornell finished one spot ahead of ISU at the NCAA championship.

2010-11 Cornell Wrestling Schedule

The Big Red will be in search of its ninth straight Ivy League title and extend its 43-match conference win streak beginning on Feb. 5, 2011 when it heads to Columbia. Cornell will look for its fifth straight EIWA team title on March 8-9 at Bucknell.

Along with its dual meet action, Cornell wrestlers will see some of the best competition in the country when it hosts the Body Bar Systems Invitational (Nov. 20) and travels to the Las Vegas Invitational (Dec. 3-4) and the Southern Scuffle (Dec. 29-30). Teams competing in the Body Bar include Army, Binghamton, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Clarion, Drexel, Ithaca College, Kent State, Lock Haven and Sacred Heart.

The Big Red will head to Cedar Falls, Iowa for the National Duals on Jan. 8-9. A year ago, Cornell had the opportunity to match up with Wisconsin, Ohio State, Missouri, Boise State and Maryland.

Cornell returns eight starters, including six NCAA qualifiers and three All-Americans, while adding one of the nation’s top recruiting classes for the 2010-11 campaign. Included among the returners are sophomore Kyle Dake, the 2010 national champion at 141 pounds, and 174-pound national runner-up, Mack Lewnes.

Courtesy of Cornell Sports Information