Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: Bruce Waterfield
Piccininni Upsets NCAA Champ Darian Cruz at NWCA All-Star Classic
November 05, 2017 | Cowboy Wrestling
PRINCETON, N.J. – Oklahoma State wrestling redshirt sophomore Nick Piccininni posted an outstanding performance Sunday afternoon at the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic, knocking off reigning 125-pound NCAA Champion Darian Cruz of Lehigh.
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Cruz struck first with a takedown in the opening minute of the first period. After a Piccininni escape midway through the period, Cruz would lead, 2-1, heading to the second.
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Electing to start the second period in the down position, Piccininni took control as he scored a reversal and four-point nearfall in a matter of seconds to take a 7-2 lead that he would carry into the third. In the final frame, Cruz was able to record a reversal after starting the period on bottom; however, Piccininni escaped to build his lead to 8-4, which he would retain until the final buzzer.
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The NWCA All-Star Classic is an exhibition dual that matches up two of the best from around the nation in each weight class. Although the result doesn't count for either wrestler's record, the win will surely provide a good bit of confidence for Piccininni, who is coming off an outstanding redshirt freshman season that saw the East Setauket, N.Y., native go 27-8 overall on the way to his first career Big 12 title and a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships to claim his first All-America honor as well.
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The Cowboys open up the 2017-18 season this weekend when they head to Albany, N.Y., to compete in the Journeymen Duals and Journeymen Collegiate Classic, beginning on Saturday, Nov. 11 with a dual against North Carolina.
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Cruz struck first with a takedown in the opening minute of the first period. After a Piccininni escape midway through the period, Cruz would lead, 2-1, heading to the second.
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Electing to start the second period in the down position, Piccininni took control as he scored a reversal and four-point nearfall in a matter of seconds to take a 7-2 lead that he would carry into the third. In the final frame, Cruz was able to record a reversal after starting the period on bottom; however, Piccininni escaped to build his lead to 8-4, which he would retain until the final buzzer.
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The NWCA All-Star Classic is an exhibition dual that matches up two of the best from around the nation in each weight class. Although the result doesn't count for either wrestler's record, the win will surely provide a good bit of confidence for Piccininni, who is coming off an outstanding redshirt freshman season that saw the East Setauket, N.Y., native go 27-8 overall on the way to his first career Big 12 title and a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships to claim his first All-America honor as well.
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The Cowboys open up the 2017-18 season this weekend when they head to Albany, N.Y., to compete in the Journeymen Duals and Journeymen Collegiate Classic, beginning on Saturday, Nov. 11 with a dual against North Carolina.
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