Nov. 21, 2005

University of Illinois All-Americans Alex Tirapelle (Clovis, Calif.) and Pete Friedl (Orland Park, Ill.) competed at the 40th annual NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the United States Marine Corps Monday night in Stillwater, Okla. Tirapelle (157 lbs.) defeated Joe Johnston of Iowa, 4-2, and Friedl (184 lbs.) defeated Paul Bradley, also of Iowa, 4-3.

Tirapelle and Johnston's last match was at the 2005 NCAA Championship quarterfinals. Johnston scored an escape in the second period, but Tirapelle tied the match at 1-1 with an escape of his own to start the third period. Tirapelle then scored a takedown with 1:15 left in the match. Johnston escaped to make the score 3-2, but could not score in the final minute. Tirapelle received a point for riding time to win, 4-2. Tirapelle is now 4-2 against Johnston in his career.

The match between Friedl and Bradley was the first meeting between the two. Friedl scored a takedown in the first period and an escape in the second to take a 3-0 lead. Bradley scored an escape and a takedown late in the third period, but Friedl escaped with 30 seconds left for the 4-3 win.

"This is a terrific start to the season," head coach Mark Johnson said. "Wins against top-ranked guys like these give us a lot of confidence as we head into the season."

The Illini return to action on Dec. 2-3 as they travel to the Las Vegas Invitational.