Sunday, January 22
Bloomington, IN
2 PM
Indiana University
vs
Minnesota
Hoosiers Host Grapple With The Gophers
1/21/2017 8:39:00 PM | Wrestling
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Hoosiers will host their first home dual meet in over a month, and their second home Big Ten dual of the season, when Indiana and #11 Minnesota take the mat at University Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon.
The Gophers and Hoosiers fondly remember last year's proceedings in Minneapolis, where Indiana secured their first dual win over Minnesota since 1968 in a 19-18 tiebreaker victory. This year, teams will recognize familiar faces on both benches, but the probable bout card produces first-time matchups at nine weights. Senior Nate Jackson (184) leads the Hoosiers with a No. 7 ranking and a 21-2 record. On the Gophers' sideline, fans will no doubt recognize No. 2 Brett Pfarr (197), who brings a 19-1 record into Bloomington.
The dual could feature as many as 10 ranked wrestlers between the two teams. Catch the action live via BTN Plus on BTN2Go.com, or follow the meet on TrackWrestling.
Hoosier Notes:
Last Time Out: Mackey Mayhem
The Hoosiers took the mat at the unique setting of Mackey Arena last weekend in their dual at Purdue. Indiana won three consecutive bouts at a crucial juncture to tie the meet, but the Boilermakers closed with a major decision and a sudden victory win to take a 19-12 win.
Jake Danishek (157) stood out for the Hoosiers with his 9-3 upset decision over #12 Alex Griffin. Other successes included decision victories by Chris Perez (149), Bryce Martin (165), and Nate Jackson (184).
Five in First Coaches Poll
With the unveiling of the first ranking period by the NWCA, it was announced that five Hoosiers currently sit in the top 33 of their respective weight classes. Elijah Oliver (#30 at 125) and Nate Jackson (#7 at 184) are back in the rankings after qualifying for last year's NCAA Championships; Devin Skatzka (#17 at 174), after his fifth-place finish at Midlands, received his first spot in the ranking period.
Two other sophomore standouts made the cut at their weights. Jake Danishek (#27 at 157) entered the rankings after his first career ranked win last weekend, and Bryce Martin (#30 at 165) earned a spot after his 12-3 start to the year.
Turning Back the Clock
The last meeting between these two teams was an historic one for Indiana, who snapped a 47-year losing streak against the Gophers with a 19-18 tiebreaker win. Indiana dropped the first bout, but they responded with wins from Nate Jackson (174) and Matt Irick (184) to cut Minnesota's lead to 12-6 at the midpoint.
The Hoosiers stormed back in the second half. Elijah Oliver (125) secured a decision win after the break, followed by Alonzo Shepherd's (133) stunning second period pin over Sam Brancale. Luke Blanton (149) stamped the victory in the ninth bout, scoring a 17-10 upset over #10 Jake Short.
Back to the Grind
The dual with Minnesota is the final weekend of the regular season where Indiana wrestles just one dual meet in a weekend. The season continues next weekend with a dual at Northwestern and a home dual with #7 Nebraska. On the final weekend, the Hoosiers host #3 Iowa on Senior Night before traveling to #14 Illinois that Sunday.
At the conclusion of the dual season, Hoosier fans will be able to take advantage of short travel to the Big Ten Championships, hosted at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on March 4 and 5.
Up Next: at Northwestern
Indiana hits the road again next Friday for their first dual at Northwestern since the 2013-14 season. The Hoosiers aim to snap a 5-meet losing streak to the Wildcats, with their last win coming in 2010 at Northwestern.
Fans are immediately drawn to the potential rematch at 184 lbs. between #7 Nate Jackson and Mitch Sliga. Jackson and Sliga met this season at the 2016 Midlands Championshps, where Jackson won a 14-3 major decision.
Keep it Locked on #IUWR
Fans can follow the happenings of Indiana Wrestling this season on Twitter and Facebook at the handle @IUWrestling, along with the hashtag #IUWR.
Fans can gain first access to probable starters, weekly award announcements, and more on social media and at IUHoosiers.com.
Back Points…
• As a team, the Hoosiers have an 142-91 (.609) record this season with 28 major decisions, 10 tech falls, and 36 wins by fall. They've only conceded 5 pins.
• Nate Jackson picked up his 93rd career win over Purdue's Tanner Lynde, climbing closer to the milestone 100-win mark.
• Jackson leads the Hoosiers in total takedowns (98), riding time points awarded (9), and bonus point wins (15).
• Elijah Oliver (125), Jake Danishek (157), Norman Conley (197) and Chris Perez (149) haven't conceded back points to their opponents this season.
• This dual marks the 53rd meeting between Indiana and Minnesota. The Gophers lead the series, 46-5-1.
• The Indiana wrestlers will host a free middle school clinic prior to the dual meet with Minnesota. The clinic will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by free pizza and an autograph session with the Hoosiers.
The Gophers and Hoosiers fondly remember last year's proceedings in Minneapolis, where Indiana secured their first dual win over Minnesota since 1968 in a 19-18 tiebreaker victory. This year, teams will recognize familiar faces on both benches, but the probable bout card produces first-time matchups at nine weights. Senior Nate Jackson (184) leads the Hoosiers with a No. 7 ranking and a 21-2 record. On the Gophers' sideline, fans will no doubt recognize No. 2 Brett Pfarr (197), who brings a 19-1 record into Bloomington.
The dual could feature as many as 10 ranked wrestlers between the two teams. Catch the action live via BTN Plus on BTN2Go.com, or follow the meet on TrackWrestling.
Hoosier Notes:
Last Time Out: Mackey Mayhem
The Hoosiers took the mat at the unique setting of Mackey Arena last weekend in their dual at Purdue. Indiana won three consecutive bouts at a crucial juncture to tie the meet, but the Boilermakers closed with a major decision and a sudden victory win to take a 19-12 win.
Jake Danishek (157) stood out for the Hoosiers with his 9-3 upset decision over #12 Alex Griffin. Other successes included decision victories by Chris Perez (149), Bryce Martin (165), and Nate Jackson (184).
Five in First Coaches Poll
With the unveiling of the first ranking period by the NWCA, it was announced that five Hoosiers currently sit in the top 33 of their respective weight classes. Elijah Oliver (#30 at 125) and Nate Jackson (#7 at 184) are back in the rankings after qualifying for last year's NCAA Championships; Devin Skatzka (#17 at 174), after his fifth-place finish at Midlands, received his first spot in the ranking period.
Two other sophomore standouts made the cut at their weights. Jake Danishek (#27 at 157) entered the rankings after his first career ranked win last weekend, and Bryce Martin (#30 at 165) earned a spot after his 12-3 start to the year.
Turning Back the Clock
The last meeting between these two teams was an historic one for Indiana, who snapped a 47-year losing streak against the Gophers with a 19-18 tiebreaker win. Indiana dropped the first bout, but they responded with wins from Nate Jackson (174) and Matt Irick (184) to cut Minnesota's lead to 12-6 at the midpoint.
The Hoosiers stormed back in the second half. Elijah Oliver (125) secured a decision win after the break, followed by Alonzo Shepherd's (133) stunning second period pin over Sam Brancale. Luke Blanton (149) stamped the victory in the ninth bout, scoring a 17-10 upset over #10 Jake Short.
Back to the Grind
The dual with Minnesota is the final weekend of the regular season where Indiana wrestles just one dual meet in a weekend. The season continues next weekend with a dual at Northwestern and a home dual with #7 Nebraska. On the final weekend, the Hoosiers host #3 Iowa on Senior Night before traveling to #14 Illinois that Sunday.
At the conclusion of the dual season, Hoosier fans will be able to take advantage of short travel to the Big Ten Championships, hosted at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on March 4 and 5.
Up Next: at Northwestern
Indiana hits the road again next Friday for their first dual at Northwestern since the 2013-14 season. The Hoosiers aim to snap a 5-meet losing streak to the Wildcats, with their last win coming in 2010 at Northwestern.
Fans are immediately drawn to the potential rematch at 184 lbs. between #7 Nate Jackson and Mitch Sliga. Jackson and Sliga met this season at the 2016 Midlands Championshps, where Jackson won a 14-3 major decision.
Keep it Locked on #IUWR
Fans can follow the happenings of Indiana Wrestling this season on Twitter and Facebook at the handle @IUWrestling, along with the hashtag #IUWR.
Fans can gain first access to probable starters, weekly award announcements, and more on social media and at IUHoosiers.com.
Back Points…
• As a team, the Hoosiers have an 142-91 (.609) record this season with 28 major decisions, 10 tech falls, and 36 wins by fall. They've only conceded 5 pins.
• Nate Jackson picked up his 93rd career win over Purdue's Tanner Lynde, climbing closer to the milestone 100-win mark.
• Jackson leads the Hoosiers in total takedowns (98), riding time points awarded (9), and bonus point wins (15).
• Elijah Oliver (125), Jake Danishek (157), Norman Conley (197) and Chris Perez (149) haven't conceded back points to their opponents this season.
• This dual marks the 53rd meeting between Indiana and Minnesota. The Gophers lead the series, 46-5-1.
• The Indiana wrestlers will host a free middle school clinic prior to the dual meet with Minnesota. The clinic will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by free pizza and an autograph session with the Hoosiers.
Players Mentioned
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