Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
#5 Iowa
Lyster, Lear Post Victories in Bucknell Wrestling's 34-9 Loss to No. 5 Iowa at Madison Square Garden
12/16/2012 7:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Dec. 16, 2012
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Bucknell wrestling team traveled to New York City and Madison Square Garden on Sunday to take part in the Grapple at the Garden, the first collegiate wrestling event in the 133-year history of the historic facility. The Bison took on No. 5 Iowa, one of the most successful wrestling programs in the nation, and lost by a 34-9 score. Bucknell sophomore 197-pounder Tyler Lyster and senior 165-pounder Corey Learposted wins for the Bison, who are now 2-2 on the season.
Sunday's match began a difficult 36-hour stretch for Bucknell, which hosts No. 2 Oklahoma State Monday at 7 p.m. in Sojka Pavilion. The Hawkeyes (23) and Cowboys (34) have combined for 57 national titles.
Lyster registered Bucknell's first-ever fall in a dual against Iowa as he pinned Nathan Burak in 3:34. That victory, coupled with Lear's decision, helped the Bison total their most team points in three all-time duals against the Hawkeyes. Lyster's win was his eighth win in his last 10 bouts and his fourth win by fall this year. He is now 8-1 in his two-year career in bouts decided by pin.
Lear's victory over No. 16 Nick Moore came by a 5-2 decision and it was his 10th consecutive win as he improved to 15-3 on the season. The score was tied 1-1 in the third period before Lear collected a pair of takedowns en route to the three-point victory.
Austin Miller nearly joined Lyster and Lear in the winner's circle for the Bison as he faced Matt Gurule at 125 pounds and came back from three points down, but lost by riding time. Miller trailed 4-1 at one point, but took a 5-4 lead in the third period thanks to a takedown, however, Gurule earned an escape and then won the bout thanks to his riding time advantage.
Iowa (9-0), which defeated Hofstra by a 42-0 score earlier in the day, had six ranked grapplers in its lineup, including four ranked in the top five of their respective weight classes.
The Grapple at the Garden featured 14 of the nation's best teams, including Oklahoma State, No. 4 Ohio State, No. 7 Missouri, No. 8 Cornell and No. 14 Nebraska. A large crowd nearly filled the lower bowl of Madison Square Garden to witness 12 total collegiate dual matches.
Bucknell will travel back to Lewisburg Sunday evening and continue preparations for Monday's match vs. No. 2 Oklahoma State (5-0), which defeated Chattanooga 41-9 and was leading Cornell 17-13 with two bouts remaining in their dual.
Iowa 34, Bucknell 9
125: Matt Gurule (Iowa) dec. Austin Miller (BU), 6-5.
133: No. 2 Tony Ramos (Iowa) maj. dec. Paul Petrov (BU), 23-9.
141: No. 12 Mark Ballweg (Iowa) maj. dec. Derrik Russell (BU), 12-3.
149: Michael Kelly (Iowa) maj. dec. Adam Healey (BU), 14-5.
157: No. 1 Derek St. John (Iowa) pinned Vincent Favia (BU), 4:53.
165: Corey Lear (BU) dec. No. 16 Nick Moore (Iowa), 5-2.
174: No. 11 Mike Evans (Iowa) pinned Stephen McPeek (BU), 2:54.
184: Ethen Lofthouse (Iowa) maj. dec. Robert Marchese (BU), 14-3.
197: Tyler Lyster (BU) pinned Nathan Burak (Iowa), 3:34.
285: No. 5 Bobby Telford (Iowa) dec. Joe Stolfi (BU), 6-1.
