Bulls Drop Home Finale to Huskies 21-15

Green, Hamel, Moran, Rock and Smith collect victories

BUFFALO, NY ö The University at Buffalo wrestling team dropped their home finale this afternoon to Mid-American Conference opponent, Northern Illinois at Alumni Arena by the score of 21-15. In the Bulls' effort, seniors Mickey Moran and Nate Rock captured victories in their final career matches at Alumni Arena.

Kevin Smith

At 133, the Bulls (9-10, MAC 1-4) welcomed back Kevin Smith to the lineup. Smith did not have an easy task ahead of him, facing the fourth ranked wrestler in the MAC, Tristen DeShazer of the Huskies. Coming into the match, DeShazer has 15 falls to his name with four against nationally top-ranked wrestlers. At the end of the first period, Smith and Deshazer were tied at 2-2. For the remainder of the match, Smith was able to keep DeShazer of the scoresheet. Smith scored an escape in the second for a 3-2 lead heading into the third period. In the third, Smith was able to score a takedown and a two-point nearfall for an 8-2 decision.

Desi Green

The 18th ranked wrestler in the nation at 149, Desi Green, looked to capture not only a win but the crown as the all-time leader for most takedowns in a season by a Bull. Green attacked quick off the start, taking down Northern Illinois' Dan Ruettiger for a 2-0 lead. With a 3-1 lead in the third, Green began to add to his takedown total finishing with a 9-7 decision.  Green was able to pick up three takedowns in the third, placing him tied for first with UB greats Kyle Cerminara and John Stutzman at 64 takedowns in a season. Green collected a 9-7 decision over Ruettiger, placing Green tied for tenth in the UB record books for most overall wins in a season (34) and tied for fourth for most dual meet wins in a season (18).

Nate Rock

In his final home match as a Bull, Rock wrestled the Huskies' Derrick Yant. In the match, Rock scored a takedown in the first followed by a Yant escape. Yant picked up another escape in the second period, tying Rock at 2-2. The match came down to the third period. Rock started in the down position, scoring a quick escape off the start. Rock held on for the remainder of the match, preventing Yant from scoring any additional points. Rock was awarded a riding point for a final 4-2 decision.

Mickey Moran

This afternoon, Moran would also wrestle in his final home match as a Bull. Moran faced a familiar opponent in Northern Illinois' Brad Dieckhaus. In the opening round of last year's MAC Championships, Moran defeated Dieckhaus in a 7-5 decision and Moran looked to continue where he left off. After the first period, Moran held a 2-1 advantage over Dieckhaus. To start the second period, Moran chose down. Dieckhaus was unable to control Moran in the down position with Moran scoring a reversal. Moran picked up a two-point nearfall in the second with Dieckhaus on his back. In the end, Moran captured a 6-3 decision.

Jimmy Hamel

At 197, Jimmy Hamel faced off against the Huskies' Scott Penny. Hamel attacked from the start, scoring a takedown with only seven seconds off the clock. Hamel finished the match how he started with a dominating attack, scoring a takedown with no time left on the clock for a 4-1 lead. In the second period, Hamel picked up three additional takedowns bringing his total to 45 for the season. His 45 takedowns, puts him in eighth place in the UB record books for most takedowns in a season. Hamel would add an escape in the third period for an 11-5 decision over Penny.

With the score tied 15-15, the match came down to the 285-pound bout. Freshman Brett Correll stepped in the circle against the Huskies' Dakota Greenhaw. After a physical first period, the two remained scoreless. Correll started the second by choosing down, which he was able to score an escape off of. However, Greenhaw was able to work Correll to his back, scoring a fall with two seconds remaining and a Huskies win.

"It was great to see Kevin collect a victory in his first match back after missing three matches. Kevin handled himself well against a physical wrestler, testing his body," said head coach Jim Beichner. "We are proud of Nate and Mickey, not only for what they accomplished today but for what they have accomplished in their careers as Bulls."

Smith was today's US Army National Guard Gladiator of the Match for his 8-2 decision in his first match back in action over the Huskies' DeShazer.

The Bulls will finish their dual meet schedule on the road as they face non-conference opponent, Binghamton University (12-14) with the first match set for 4 pm.

Northern Illinois 21, University at Buffalo 15
125: Izzy Monetmayor (NIU) dec., Dan Bishop (UB), 2-1.
133: Kevin Smith (UB) dec., Tristen DeShazer (NIU), 8-2.
141: Pat McLemore (NIU) fall, Mark Lewandowski (UB), 4:23.
149: Desi Green (UB) dec., Dan Ruettiger (NIU), 9-7.
157: Bryan Deutsch (NIU) dec., John-Martin Cannon (UB), 8-4.
165: John Odeen (NIU) dec., Ron Majerus (UB), 3-1.
174: Nate Rock (UB) dec., Derrick Yant (NIU), 4-2.
184: Mickey Moran (UB) dec., Brad Dieckhaus (NIU), 6-3.
197: Jimmy Hamel (UB) dec., Scott Penny (NIU), 11-5.
285: Dakota Greenhaw (NIU) fall, Brett Correll (UB), 4:58.