IU Wrestlers Victorious on Senior Night
The upperclassmen provide the backbone and lifeblood of nearly every team in college sports. Senior night is a chance to honor these players and pay homage to their commitment. The Indiana wrestlers celebrated after their senior night victory over the Michigan Wolverines Friday night at University Gym.
University Gym came alive as parents and fans packed in to watch the No. 14 Indiana Hoosiers in Big Ten competition.
As it has been all season long, nationally ranked No. 1 Angel Escobedo got the Hoosiers off to a fast start Friday night, winning his match by a pin fall. Escobedo’s efforts this season have been crucial as he moves to an unblemished 28-0 record. His labors have given the Hoosiers an early lead in team points each match this year.
Angel was able to elaborate on his senior night win and said, “I wanted to show the fans what I had. Give them something exciting, and to leave off on that note. This is the last time they’ll be able to see me here in this gym, and I wanted to lead off with a spectacular move.” Angel did just that as he executed a takedown, which put Michigan freshmen Sean Boyle flat on his back.
Each Indiana senior; Escobedo (28-0), 149-lb. Matt Coughlin (16-12), and HWT Nate Everhart (30-0) walked away with victories Friday night. Senior Trevor Perry (174-lbs.) was unable to compete due to injury, but was honored just the same.
The Hoosiers were able to produce strong matches from the underclassmen as well, moving the team to 14-3, 3-3 for the year.
“The guys throughout the lineup fought hard for the seniors, and the seniors came through. I thought we wrestled very well tonight,” commented Escobedo.
Indiana felt pressure from Michigan as they lost matches at 133-lbs. and 141-lbs., but thanks to wins by juniors Kurt Kinser (No. 6) and Paul Young (No.12), IU pulled away and did not look back.
“The meet was hard fought. Michigan is rebuilding a little bit, but they came really ready to wrestle. They had us on our heels a little bit. Even though we came away with a win, we got pushed pretty hard,” remarked Coach Duane Goldman.
The Hoosiers close out the 2009-2010 regular season with meets at Purdue and at Michigan State, both of which will be duals that IU must be prepared for.
“We need to wrestle a lot better come Sunday. Purdue is a really good team, and even though we are ranked ahead of them, they are favored at six weights. It’s going to be a tough match, but you know it is the rivalry and we have to get up for it,” said Goldman.
Great season winding down for the Hoosiers, huge victory over Purdue yesterday in the final match. Its been great watching these guys all season, I am very optimistic we can get a national champion out of this group.