Feb. 16, 2006
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
Champaign, Ill.--The sixth-ranked Illinois wrestling team hosts No. 23 Wisconsin in their last dual of the season at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 19. The Illini lead the all-time series against the Badgers, 34-25-2, and have won all seven duals in head coach Mark Johnson's 14-year Illinois career. Before Johnson, the Illini had lost 20 duals in a row against the Badgers dating back to the 1969-70 season. Last season, the Illini defeated Wisconsin, 25-12, in Madison. This season, Wisconsin come to town with five wrestlers in the Top-25: No. 6 Tom Clum (133), No. 11 Tyler Turner (149), No. 5 Craig Henning (157), No. 17 Jake Donar (165) and No. 14 Kelly Flaherty (174). Wisconsin is 8-5 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten.
After a shaky start in Big Ten action, Gabe Flores made his Top-25 debut at No. 19 this week. The sophomore logged back-to-back major decisions this weekend against Daniel Dennis (Iowa) and Jeff Wimberley (Michigan State). Flores' victory over Wimberley secured the Illini win over the Spartans.
Sunday afternoon not only marks the last home dual meet of the season for the Illinois wrestling team, but also the last home dual meet for five of the Fighting Illini starters. Together, Kyle Ott (125), Alex Tirapelle (157), Pete Friedl (184), Tyrone Byrd (197) and Matt Weight (Hwt.) have a combined record of 417-125 over the last four years. Seniors Ott, Tirapelle, Friedl and Byrd will leave Illinois with spots on the Top-25 all-time season victories list and among the most elite wrestlers in school history. Although only a junior in eligibility, Matt Weight is a senior academically and will not be back with the team next season. Also graduating are Cal Ferry (149) and Matt Fletcher (Hwt.).
Matchup to Watch I-157 pounds: #1 Alex Tirapelle vs. #5 Craig Henning--The two grapplers are both 6-0 in Big Ten action. Tirapelle, 10-0 in duals this season, is 3-0 against ranked opponents in the Big Ten. Henning also has a 3-0 record against ranked opponents in the conference. His most notable win this season is over Minnesota's #4 C.P. Schlatter.
Matchup to Watch II-197 pounds: #8 Tyrone Byrd vs. Dallas Herbst--Byrd is the other Illini who remains undefeated in duals this season. He is currently 11-0, 7-0 in the Big Ten. After starting 0-5 in the Big Ten, Herbst finally picked up his first win against Ohio State in his last outing.
