Big Ten wrestlers dominate 174 class
Editor's note: This is the seventh in a 10-part series previewing the 10 weight classes for the NCAA Div. I Wrestling Championships beginning tomorrow in The Bryce Jordan Center. This story previews the 174-pound class.

By CHRIS ANTONACCI
Collegian Staff Writer

There is a reason why the Big Ten was granted 72 qualifiers for the NCAA Div. I Wrestling Championships. Just look at the 174-pound bracket.

Of the top 10 wrestlers from around the nation, five hail from Big Ten schools -- but not from where it matters.

The top seed hails from the Big 12.

Oklahoma State's Mark Smith, is believed to be in the mix for the national championship. He has posted a perfect 31-0 record and notched a Big 12 Championship last week as a representative of the No. 2 Cowboys.

Behind Smith is Penn State's Glenn Pritzlaff. Pritzlaff, the seventh-place finisher at last year's NCAA Championships, is coming off a first-place finish at the Big Ten Championships.

"I did some of my best wrestling of the year there," the All-American said. "I could have wrestled better, yeah. I wouldn't say it was the best I've ever wrestled, but I am pretty happy with the way it went."

Behind Pritzlaff is Rider's Leo Giel. Giel has notched a 34-2 record this season.

Also in contention is Northwestern senior Mark Bybee, who finished with a 25-7 record and lost to Pritzlaff in the Big Ten finals. Bybee also lost to Pritzlaff 5-3 at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Team Duals, but managed a 6-5 decision against Pritzlaff in the Nittany Lions' dual meet against the Wildcats.

"I feel very confident in my ability," Bybee said. "I definitely have a realistic shot if I wrestle like I can."

Following Bybee is another Big Ten wrestler, Michigan's Otto Olson. Olson compiled a 25-4 record and defeated Pritzlaff 9-4 in dual-meet action. He finished third at the Big Tens.

"Otto just has to put it all together," Wolverines coach Dale Bahr said. "He is in good, good shape."

Also in good shape to win is Wisconsin's Kole Clauson, who finished the season with a 25-7 record. Clauson also finished fourth at Big Tens.

Outside of the Big Ten, an upset could take place by Central Michigan's Ryan Cunningham. Cunningham finished fourth last year at 158.

"He is really coming on," Chippewas coach Tom Borrelli said. "He lost some closes matches in the beginning of the year, but he is really coming on now."

Whoever comes out as the victor of the 174-pound war will have gone through several tough battles.

"174 has a lot of talent in it," Clarion assistant coach Tony Purler said. "You go right down the line, it is a pretty loaded-up weight."