The three-match losing stretch stands out on Dan Vallimont's record, but in a two-day span, he can erase the unwanted memories in a decisive way.
Five ranked wrestlers, including Vallimont, will gun for the 165-pound Big Ten title this weekend. InterMat ranks three of those five above Vallimont. No. 1 Andrew Howe of Wisconsin, No. 4 Ryan Morningstar of Iowa and No. 6 Colt Sponseller of Ohio State all defeated No. 7 Vallimont in a seven-day span earlier this season.
"The whole idea of wanting to go out there and prove people wrong -- people that think these guys are better than me," Vallimont said, "that kind of thing is motivating for me."
To prove the detractors wrong, the senior will have to dictate the pace of each match and wrestle his fast-paced style. Prior to the Northwestern meet Feb. 5, Penn State coach Cael Sanderson emphasized Vallimont taking on an aggressive and offensive role.
Vallimont responded with a four-match winning streak -- though against unranked wrestlers -- putting him back on the victorious path after the three previous losses. Vallimont knows it will take win upon win in the Big Ten and NCAA championships to prove his detractors wrong.
Putting the three-match stretch behind him will also be vital to silencing critics and putting together a championship run. Heavyweight Cameron Wade said the goal for wrestlers is to act like the past never happened.
"It's hard to do," Wade said, "but once you get that mindset, then you'll be alright, ready to go."
This weekend, Vallimont looks to use the same point of emphasis embodied before the Northwestern match by pushing his pace instead of allowing his opponents to dictate their style.
Howe and Morningstar are stronger, stationary wrestlers who seek tie-ups with their opponents. Through this style, Vallimont said it's difficult to score because they stop him from moving around.
By keeping his feet in motion, Vallimont believes Howe and Morningtsar, and to a lesser extent Sponseller, will be out of position. This will allow Vallimont to dictate the tie-ups and shots he wants to use. If Vallimont sticks to this strategy, the senior believes he can prove the critics wrong.
"In the practice room, I seem to have more success doing that and wrestling my match and moving the guy around a lot and setting up my shots," Vallimont said. "I don't feel that anybody can stop me on my feet."
Vallimont said the practice room this past weekend helped prepare him for this weekend. It featured a simulated Big Ten tournament in which each Lion had designated times to wrestle in scored bouts and prepared as if the match was real.
"You get that feel you're getting ready for an actual match, get the nerves going a little bit," Vallimont said. "I am ready. I just need to go out there and make it happen."
