Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State University
Embry Riddle
Cowboy Wrestlers Blank UTC and Embry-Riddle
November 18, 2001 | Cowboy Wrestling
Nov. 18, 2001
Oklahoma State's wrestling team opened the 2001-02 season Sunday afternoon against Tennessee-Chattanooga and Embry-Riddle at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
OSU grabbed a pair of decisive victories, defeating Tennessee-Chattanooga 49-0 and recording a 55-0 decision over Embry-Riddle.
Senior Pat Popolizio recorded four takedowns and five near falls against UTC's Brandon Artilles en route to a technical fall, giving the Cowboys a 5-0 lead.
"It looked like we brought two easier teams in here to build our confidence, but yesterday we wrestled several of the same opponents," head coach John Smith said. "Today, we had three matches, which we had three decisions yesterday, where we had three pins today."
Sophomore Willie Gruenwald squared off with Austin David at 197 pounds. Gruenwald recorded a takedown 12 seconds into the match and never looked back. Gruenwald went on to record a major decision, increasing the Pokes lead to 9-0.
"There were definitely some quality opponents who gave us a test yesterday," Smith said. "We came back today and adjusted and made some good things happen with our falls."
Senior James Huml and junior Skylar Holman both recorded technical falls at 285 and 125, respectively, giving the Cowboys a 19-0 lead over the Mocs.
All-American sophomore Johnny Thompson recorded two takedowns, before pinning Ben Smith in 2:40.
In his first match as a Cowboy, red-shirt freshman Ronnie Delk pinned Jared Sullivan in 1:09.
"It's an exciting time to be out there for the first time," Smith said. "As a young boy he (Delk) grew up watching Cowboy wrestling. The opportunities that he had today are something that he's felt for a long time. It's nice to send him out there and get a fast start this season."
All-American, and third-ranked, Tyrone Lewis and Jerrod Sanders each recorded a major decision at 165 and 149 pounds, respectively.
Second-ranked All-American Shane Roller pinned Quentin Bell in 4:05, while No. 10 senior Ty Wilcox recorded a major decision over Quatel Langford, giving the Cowboys 49-0 win over the Mocs.
"I'm real encouraged by what I see. I know, realistically, we have tougher opponents coming up. It's a good start for this group and there's no question that we can take a lot from this weekend and really learn and develop from it."
OSU recorded five falls and a major decision en route to a 55-0 victory over the Eagles of Embry-Riddle.
The dual started at 184 pounds with Popolizio and Will McCleve. McCleve recorded the first takedown of the match, giving him the 2-0 edge. Popolizio recorded an escape to close the gap at 2-1. Popolizio then went on to record a takedown and two near falls before pinning McCleve in 2:53.
Holman, Thompson, and Delk each recorded a fall for the Cowboys at 125, 133, and 141 pounds, respectively, while Roller and Lewis notched a fall at 157 and 165 pounds, respectively.
The Cowboys will return to action next weekend as they travel Norman, Okla., to compete at the Oklahoma Open.
MATCH RESULTS
Wt. Results
184 Pat Popolizio (OSU) maj. dec. Brandon Artilles (UTC), 18-2
197 Willie Gruenwald (OSU) maj. dec. Austin David (UTC), 17-7
285 James Huml (OSU) tech. fall Curtis Carter (UTC), 6:00, 22-7
125 Skylar Holman (OSU) tech. fall Matt Pitts (UTC), 4:49, 18-1
133 Johnny Thompson (OSU) fall Ben Smith (UTC), 2:40
141 Ronnie Delk (OSU) fall Jared Sullivan (UTC), 1:09
149 Jerrod Sanders (OSU) maj. dec. Patrick Carr (UTC), 15-4
157 Shane Roller (OSU) fall Quentin Bell (UTC), 4:05
165 Tyrone Lewis (OSU) maj. dec. Craig Johnson (UTC), 15-5
174 Ty Wilcox (OSU) maj.dec. Quantel Langford (UTC), 8-0
MATCH RESULTS
Wt. Results
184 - Pat Popolizio (OSU) Fall Will McCleve (ERU), 2:53
197 - Willie Gruenwald (OSU), forfeit
285 - James Huml (OSU) dec. Dan Maynard (ERU), 8-6
125 - Skylar Holman (OSU) Fall Miciah Watkins (ERU), 2:49
133 - Johnny Thompson (OSU) Fall Tyler Moran (ERU), 4:42
141 - Ronnie Delk (OSU) Fall John Hurtado (ERU), 3:23
149 - Jerrod Sanders (OSU), forfeit
157 - Shane Roller (OSU)Fall Pat Cadwallader (ERU), 2:52
165 - Tyrone Lewis (OSU) Fall David Rivera (ERU), 4:47
174 - Ty Wilcox (OSU) maj. dec. Nathaniel Augustson (ERU), 15-5
