Wrestlers fall to Northern Iowa 27-18

Jan. 19, 2007

Northern Colorado - Northern Iowa Wrestling Results in PDF Format
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GREELEY, Colo. - The Bears two nationally ranked wrestlers proved worthy of their position by winning easily, but it wasn't enough as the University of Northern Iowa defeated Northern Colorado 27-18 Friday evening in Western Wrestling Conference action at the Butler-Hancock Sports Pavilion.

Heavyweight Reece Hopkin, ranked No. 19 nationally, opened the meet by pinning the Panthers' (2-7 dual meets) Tyler Rhodes 1:24 into the first period. Tony Mustari followed that by winning his 125 match with an impressive 13-2 major decision.

Two matches later, No. 14 Kenny Hashimoto thoroughly dominated his opponent in the 141 division, earning a 16-0 tech. fall shortly into the third period to give the Bears (3-5 dual meets) a 15-3 lead.

The Panthers, ranked as high as No. 22 in some polls, responded by reeling off four straight victories to take a 21-15 lead. Shawn Vincent (184) stopped the bleeding, but without a wrestler in the 197 class for the final match, the Bears' chance of winning was over.

Northern Colorado hosts Oregon State Saturday at 7 p.m. in Butler-Hancock.