Jan. 3, 2001
The Purdue wrestling team dropped its first dual match of the season to 23rd-ranked Northern Iowa, in a 23-13 loss.
The match did have a couple bright spots despite the loss. Oscar Santiago, who has been a pleasant surprise at 157 so far this season, picked up an 8-5 win over Northern Iowa's Drew Kelly. Santiago had two takedowns in the match, and clinched the victory with a convincing third period. He tallied a reverse at the 1:52 mark, a takedown at the 1:22 mark, and was credited one point for riding time. Santiago, in his first year as a starter, upped his record to 11-3 on the season.
Jon Bush, ranked 19th in the nation at 197, continued his impressive first season as a starter with an 11-2 victory over Jason Payne. Bush had three takedowns during the match, including two in the final period. He also had a near fall in the first period. The Palmer, Alaska, native is now 9-2 on the season.
At 133, Evan Robinson won his second match of the year by pinfall over Dylan Long. Robinson led 2-1 after the first period, and picked up a takedown at the 1:08 mark. Robinson then wasted no time finishing off Long. Leading 2-1, and with Long entering the second period down, Robinson quickly forced him into a pin and ended the match at the 58-second mark of the second period. Ranked 10th in the nation, Robinson is now 9-2 on the year.
In other matches, there was a double forfeit at 125. At 141, Paul Sacquitne lost to Northern Iowa's Mark Rial 16-1. At 149, Keith Weber defeated Dan Jankowski 8-2, At 165, Nate Lawrenz defeated Kirk Moore 8-4 while Jon Fitch lost by injury default to 17th-ranked Kyle Hansen at 184. At 174, 17th-ranked Ryan Lange lost just his fourth match of the season, a 7-3 loss to Eric Brown. Lange still leads the team with 14 victories.
The Boilers return to the home mat this weekend as they will host Franklin & Marshall at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 6 at the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility.