Michigan
Minnesota
Michigan Upset Bid Falls Shorts at No. 2 Minnesota
1/22/1999 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The 10th-ranked University of Michigan wrestling team dropped its first conference match of the season, falling to second-ranked Minnesota by a count of 23-17. The meet was close throughout, with Michigan leading by seven heading into the final three matches. The Golden Gophers were able to score key victories in the 184, 197 and 285-pound weight classes to edge the Maize and Blue.
The Wolverines were again impressive in the lighter weight classes. Joe Warren (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Kentwood HS) continued his winning ways as he decisioned Minnesota's 14th-ranked Bart Golyer 5-2, upping his season record to 20-3. Damion Logan (Garfield, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional HS) recorded his fourth major decision of the season while pushing his record to 20-3 by defeating Ty Freiderichs by a 22-8 count.
At 157 pounds, true freshman Charles Martelli (Naperville, Ill./Naperville North HS) recorded a crucial 16-7 major decision over Brad Pike to record his 18th victory of the season against eight defeats. Michigan's final highlight came from 174-pounder Otto Olson (Everett, Wash./Everett HS) as he recorded his fifth pin of the year, over Matt Kraft, to put the Maize and Blue up seven heading into the final three matches. Olson is now 21-3 on the year.
Momentum switched sides in the final three matches of the evening. Michigan was outmanned as Minnesota's 184- and 197-pounders are ranked No. 1 in the nation while its heavyweight is ranked second.
The meet featured a total of 12 ranked individuals (six from each school). This marks the first time Minnesota has won three consecutive matches vs. Michigan since winning five straight from 1978-82. Michigan now leads the all-time series 24-18-2.
The Maize and Blue grapplers will return to the mat with a Big Ten dual at Wisconsin on Sunday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m. CST.
Minnesota 23, Michigan 17
| 125 -- #16 Leroy Vega (MN) dec. #6 Chris Viola, 6-5 | (MN, 3-0) |
| 133 -- #6 Joe Warren (MI) dec. #12 Pat Connors, 5-2 | (Tie, 3-3) |
| 141 -- #7 Damion Logan (MI) major dec. Ty Freiderichs, 22-8 | (MI, 7-3) |
| 149 -- #15 Troy Marr (MN) dec. Corey Grant, 3-1 | (MI, 7-6) |
| 157 -- Charles Martelli (MI) major dec. Brad Pike, 16-7 | (MI, 11-6) |
| 165 -- #10 Josh Holiday (MN) major dec. David Hann, 18-8 | (MI, 11-10) |
| 174 -- #7 Otto Olson (MI) pinned Matt Kraft, 4:18 | (MI, 17-10) |
| 184 -- #1 Brad Eggum (MN) dec. #15 Andy Hrovat, 8-3 | (MI, 17-13) |
| 197 -- #1 Tim Hartung (MN) major dec. #18 Frank Lodeserto, 19-5 | (Tie, 17-17) |
| Hwt -- #2 Brock Lesnar (MN) pinned Matt Brink, 2:20 | (MN, 23-17) |
Players Mentioned
