The sun sets on Burak's career

By Heather Kennedy
UNCBears.com

ST. LOUIS – Northern Colorado senior Gabe Burak wrestled just once on Friday at the NCAA Championship, losing a 6-3 decision to No. 24 Dominic Kastl of Cal Poly. It was Burak's third foray to the NCAA Championship as he went 3-2 a season ago and 0-2 as a sophomore in 2010.

In the fourth consolation round, and the first bout of the morning, Burak shook hands with Kastl to begin his third match of the NCAA Championship. Kastl scored first with a takedown at the 1:05 point of the first period, but Burak escaped just eight seconds later.

Burak deferred his choice for the second period and Kastl chose bottom. Kastl was able to switch positions and take a 4-1 lead with 1:25 on the clock, but once again, Burak escaped quickly, getting free just 12 seconds later.

Burak chose down to start the final two-minute period. With 53 ticks left, Burak escaped to make it a one-point match, 4-3 and put the Bear fans on the edge of their seats. With 10 seconds remaining, however Kastl got the takedown and won the match 6-3, concluding Burak's stellar senior career. 

With his 1-2 record at the NCAA Championship, Burak completes his final year with the Bears with a 22-5 overall record and 15-4 dual record. All four of Burak's defeats during the season were at the hands of grapplers ranked in the top 24, including three in the top five. He was named to the Western Wrestling Conference Second Team last week after finishing second at the NCAA West Regional.