Wrestling

Penn State set out to achieve its third straight Southern Scuffle title on day two. While the team had a slim advantage heading into Wednesday, the Nittany Lions pulled away and recorded their third straight title.

The Lions entered Wednesday's semifinal action with an eight-point lead over Minnesota. The team extended its advantage by going 5-1 in the semifinals, winning three weight classes. Overall, the Lions took the title with 178.5 points compared to 158 points for Oklahoma State.

No. 2 Nico Megaludis won the first weight class for Penn State by defeating No. 8 Matt Synder 8-2 in the 125 pound final. The sophomore went 4-0 during the tournament to extend his record to 12-1.

All eyes were on the 165 pound weight class as No. 2 David Taylor had a chance to face off against No. 1 Kyle Dake in the finals. With Taylor defeating No. 4 Tyler Caldwell of Oklahoma State in the semifinals, the matchup with Dake was set up.

The 165 final was a potential preview of the national title bout in the weight class and was a rematch from the U.S Marine Corps All-Star Classic, a match which Dake won 2-1.

The bout was much like their first meeting with Dake leading 1-0 on an escape after two periods. In the third period, Taylor fought back, grabbing a 2-1 lead on a reversal. Dake was given a reversal with under 1:00 left to win 3-2 and defeat Taylor for the second time this season.

No. 1 Ed Ruth dominated his way through the 184 pound bracket to notch the Lions' second title of the day. The junior was matched up against No. 9 Mike Larson of Missouri and posted an 11-0 major to move to the finals. Ruth faced off against No. 2 Steve Bosak and it was more of the same for the No. 1 seed. Ruth won the final 7-3 to win his third Southern Scuffle title.

Quentin Wright won the Lions' third title moving his way through the 197 pound bracket. The senior was matched up against No. 9 Jake Meredith of Arizona State in the finals. While the pair were tied 2-2 in the second period, Wright waited, looking for his time to strike. At the 5:33 mark, Wright took advantage of the opportunity, pinning Meredith.

Of the 17 wrestlers that the Lions sent to the tournament, 11 placed in the competition. While James Vollrath lost in the 157 final and Taylor lost in the 165 final, the Lions had six wrestlers place in the consolation bracket.

Among the Lions to place in the consolation bracket were Jimmy Gulibon who finished fourth place at 133 pounds and James English who finished third place at 149 pounds.