Michigan
Penn State
Michigan Comes From Behind to Defeat Penn State
2/18/2000 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
"I knew going in it was all up to me," said Holifield. "I wanted to get a win for at least a tie, but I was going on the mat to gain extra points and I saw my opening and got the fall. It's a great win for Michigan to come to Penn State and steal the victory."
Head coach Joe McFarland was excited for his student-athlete. "I'm real happy for Tony (Holifield). To have the dual meet on the line and be able to come up with a pin, that is every kid's dream."
Opening up the scoring for the Wolverines was Jason Rawls (Harrisburg, Pa./Harrisburg HS), who earned an 11-8 decision over Doc Vecchio at 165 pounds.
Penn State tied the score at three apiece, but the Wolverines regained the lead when ninth-ranked Andy Hrovat (Cleveland, Ohio/St. Edwards HS) scored a takedown 30 seconds into overtime for his 19th truimph of the season at 184, improving his Big Ten record to 6-1.
The Wolverines found themselves down 14-6 after two Penn State victories, when fourth-ranked Joe Warren (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Kentwood HS) started the comeback for Michigan -- and earned his 95th career win -- with a 15-7 major decision over 13th-ranked Scott Moore.
"I'm happy I got a major decision for the team," Warren said. "I'm still not totally happy with my performance, but I'm getting back into shape and should be ready to go all out at the Big Tens and nationals."
Mike Kulczycki (North Royalton, Ohio/St. Edwards HS) executed six takedowns in his four-point 24-8 technical fall victory over Dave Martini. The win put the Wolverines in striking distance at 17-14, setting up Holifield's heroics in the final match.
The come-from-behind victory took Maize and Blue's record to 11-3-1 overall and 4-2-1 in Big Ten Conference action. The team will travel to Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday (Feb. 20) to close out the regular season against the Ohio State Buckeyes at 2 p.m.
Michigan 20, Penn State 17
| 165 -- Jason Rawls (UM) dec. Doc Vecchio, 11-8 | (UM, 3-0) |
| 174 -- Mark Becks (PSU) dec. Charles Martelli, 5-4 | (Tie, 3-3) |
| 184 -- #9 Andy Hrovat (UM) dec. #17 Jeff Knupp, 3-1 (OT) | (UM, 6-3) |
| 197 -- #9 Ross Thatcher (PSU) dec. #14 Joe Degain, 17-11 | (Tie, 6-6) |
| Hwt -- #20 Mark Janus (PSU) dec. #15 Matt Brink, 2-0 | (PSU, 9-6) |
| 125 -- #1 Jeremy Hunter (PSU) tech. fall A.J. Grant, 21-6 (6:22) | (PSU, 14-6) |
| 133 -- #4 Joe Warren (UM) major dec. #13 Scott Moore, 15-7 | (PSU, 14-10) |
| 141 -- #15 Jason Betz (PSU) dec. Matt Michalski, 10-6 | (PSU, 17-10) |
| 149 -- #19 Mike Kulczycki (UM) tech. fall Dave Martini, 24-8 (6:17) | (PSU, 17-14) |
| 157 -- Tony Holifield (UM) pinned Nate Wachter, 1:53 | (UM, 20-14) |
Contact: Jason Binge (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
