Top teams put on good show
Local fans get to see strong competition
By BRYAN CHU, Staff writer
First published: Sunday, November 26, 2006
GUILDERLAND — Wrestling fans got exactly what they hoped for Saturday at the Journeymen Brute Northeast Duals: a high level of competition and upsets.
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Top-ranked University of Minnesota was shocked in its opening-round meet by 12th-ranked Hofstra 18-17. Hofstra went on to win all four meets it competed in. The Pride were the only team in a field of eight to win all four meets.
“Anytime you can beat the No. 1 team in the country, it’s a great day, “Hofstra coach Tom Shifflet said. “We knew coming into the dual meet it would be neck and neck.”
Minnesota assistant coach Joe Russell sees the early-season loss as a wake-up call.
“Overall, we were disappointed with that early loss, “said Russell, whose Gophers finished 3-1 on the day. “We have to make some changes if we’re going to win (the national title).”
Binghamton University beat Princeton. It was the Bearcats’ first win since Dec. 31, 2003.
“It’s definitely nice to get that win and it lets our guys know that’s what we expect of them, “first-year coach Pat Popolizio said.
The event, which was held at Guilderland High School, attracted more than 1,100 fans. Barry Bedaw from Ballston Spa brought his son, Ryan, who wrestles on the JV team at Ballston Spa.
“I think (my son) can learn more here during the four hours than he could in a couple of weeks during practice, “Barry said.
Jacob Pearson, who is on the modified team at Hoosick Falls, had his parents drop him off for three hours just so he could watch the best teams in the nation.
“You don’t see competition like this very often, “Pearson said.
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