An X-ray taken during Sean Finkbeiner's freshman year in college revealed a congenital disorder in his vertebrae. The 158-pound wrestler did not experience any problems with his back until the beginning of this season, his final one at Penn State.

In October, Finkbeiner complained of back pain. Doctors discovered it was caused by a slippage of a vertebra that put pressure on the sciatic nerve, the nerve that goes down the leg.

Since that time, Finkbeiner has been on a strict rehabilitation program and has been monitored by doctors for any movement of the vertebra. There has been no movement since the initial discovery of the problem.

Finkbeiner did not expect to return to competition, but in Saturday night's 25-10 victory over Iowa State, he wrestled for the first time this season. The redshirt senior recorded a 1-1 draw with Hawkeyes' redshirt freshman Steve Hamilton.

"We've had specialists check him," Coach Rich Lorenzo said. "Our doctors here have been working with Sean and with the orthopedic surgeon to make sure we are in no way jeopardizing his future health by competing or participating.

"If it (the vertebrae) does move a little bit, basically his career will be over."

Lorenzo said Finkbeiner gave a solid performance against a tough wrestler in Hamilton, considering the 158-pound wrestler hasn't competed since the national tournament last March.

"I'm really pleased with Finkbeiner's performance," he said. "This being his first match he was just a little tentative on a few things. Hopefully he's going to be able to work through that.

"He wants to be in the national tournament and he wants to do well there. He just doesn't want to get hurt before that time," Lorenzo explained.

"It felt good, but I wish I did better," Finkbeiner said. "It's going to take me a while. The more I wrestle, the more I'm going to learn to open up."

On doctor's orders, Finkbeiner didn't compete during rehabilitation, but instead drilled, lifted weights and rode a bike.

"It's agreed upon by the doctors and by the coaches," Finkbeiner explained. "It's to reduce the risk of me hurting it again."

He said he hated sitting on the bench, but realized that certain measures must be taken to prevent further injury which could be career-ending.

"Like most athletes that sit on the bench, I wish I were in there, but while I'm on the bench I thought about technique and still rooted for my teammates," Finkbeiner said.

Finkbeiner began his career at Penn State wrestling behind two-time All-American Chris Bevilacqua at 150 pounds. Bevilacqua became ill and the freshman from Hellertown, Pa., stepped into the starting position for a good portion of the season.

In 1986 Finkbeiner underwent shoulder surgery and took a medical redshirt for the 1985-86 season. The following season he was named the Lions' most improved wrestler and posted an impressive 25-6-2 record. Finkbeiner won the Eastern Wrestling League 150-pound title and placed sixth in the NCAA tournament. Along with seven other place-winners, Finkbeiner paced the Lions to a third-place finish in the national tournament that year.

Finkbeiner earned his second trip to the NCAA tournament last season as a wildcard selection after finishing fifth at the EWL tournament. He won only two bouts at nationals and was unable to achieve All-American status for a second time.