Sooners limp out of Hilton, 30-6
Top-ranked Nate Gallick’s win over nation’s No. 2 highlights Cyclone victory.
By DAN McCOOL
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
January 31, 2005
Ames, Ia. – Persistence paid off for Iowa State wrestler Nate Gallick on Sunday.
The third-ranked Cyclones (15-1) scored their most lopsided victory over Oklahoma in nearly 18 years, 30-6, in their final regular-season meet at Hilton Coliseum before a crowd of 1,971. The injury-depleted Sooners (12-4) had four regular starters out and forfeited two weights.
The Cyclones’ victory was their biggest margin over Oklahoma since a 43-0 victory Feb. 13, 1987.
“To come in here in a great wrestling tradition, with four starters out and forfeiting two matches is frustrating and embarrassing, “Oklahoma coach Jack Spates said.
Gallick, the nation’s top-ranked 141-pounder, beat second-ranked Teyon Ware, 6-3, in the showcase bout. Gallick scored two takedowns – one in the first period and another in the third – but didn’t secure the win until late in the match.
A stalling call against Ware resulted in a penalty point for Gallick, snapping a 3-3 tie with 46 seconds left in the match.
“When he got that (stalling) point, that’s when he knew I was going to be coming after him, which makes me vulnerable, “said Ware, the NCAA 141-pound champion in 2003. “He took advantage of that, got in on his shot and took me down again.”
Gallick increased his winning streak to 22 matches.
“His defense is probably his best offense, so when I wrestle him I’ve got to make sure all of the shots I’m taking are smart and well-calculated, “Gallick said.
Iowa State coach Bobby Douglas said Sunday was a great checkpoint-type match for Gallick, who is 21-0 this season.
“Gallick wrestled his plan and made it work, “Douglas said. “This was the best match he’s wrestled all (season).”
Spates said Gallick’s early aggressiveness rattled Ware.
“I think that’s going to be a good loss for him, “Spates said. “Teyon’s such a winner and he’s healthy now. He showed he’s obviously right there with the No. 1 guy in the country.”
Ware said he plans to be better at the Big 12 Conference tournament, March 5 in Omaha, and in the NCAA Tournament March 17-19 in St. Louis.
“He was a step ahead of me, and it showed, “Ware said. “I promise you around Big 12 and nationals, I’m looking forward to coming out on top.”
Iowa State made sure the Sooners did not come out on top Sunday, with five decisions and the two forfeits after the Sooners’ top-ranked Sam Hazewinkel beat eighth-ranked Grant Nakamura, 9-4, at 125 pounds. Oklahoma’s other victor was 197-pounder Joel Flaggert, who scored a 5-3 victory over Trevor Smith.
Iowa State’s next dual is with Missouri on Feb. 12
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