Dec. 9, 2000
The Purdue wrestling team picked up its first dual meet win of the season, 50-3 over Southern Illinois.
"I was very impressed with the group we had today," head coach Jessie Reyes said. "We won a few matches by forfeit, but I was impressed by the performances we had."
Clovis Crane (8-5), who normally wrestles at 157, jumped up to wrestle at 165 to replace an injured Kirk Moore. The match was closely contested through the first two periods of his match against Michael Butts, before Crane pulled away for a 13-5 victory. It was Crane's first action at 165, and his first start in the Purdue lineup.
The Boilermakers won five matches via forfeit. Jason Silverstein (125), Ryan Lange (174), Jon Fitch (184), Jon Bush (197) and Jake Vercelli (HWT) all picked up victories by forfeit. Silverstein (10-2) is ranked sixth at 125, while Bush (7-2) is ranked 20th at 197 and Vercelli (7-2) is ranked 18th at HWT.
In Purdue's second match of the day, Evan Robinson (7-2), who is currently ranked seventh at 133, picked up an impressive 14-5 win over Manny Herrera. Robinson was in control for most of the match, and proved to be very physical against Herrera.
Purdue's only loss of the day came when freshman Paul Sacquitne (1-3) lost to Steve Bryant 6-2 at 141. In a very close match that could have gone either way, Bryant was able to hold off Sacquitne from scoring any major points.
Purdue finished the day with two strong efforts at 149 and 157. Redshirt freshman Brad Harper (9-3), who has been one of the team's most pleasant surprises so far this season, pinned Mike Brenner at the2:05 mark. For Harper, it was his third win by pinfall of the season, which ties him for the team lead with Jake Vercelli. Oscar Santiago (9-1) pinned David Barnett at the 2:41 mark. It was Santiago's first win by pinfall of the season.
Purdue will wrestle Missouri at Carmel High School in Carmel, Ind., on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.