IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Fighting Illini wrestling program completed their first Big Ten dual match of the season at Iowa on Friday, Jan. 6. Illinois tied up the competition up at 19 heading into the final match, but ultimately fell short 19-25.

"Guys fought hard tonight," said head coach Mike Poeta.  "That's the toughest arena in the country to compete in and I can't say everyone, but almost every guy went on the mat tough and to win. Lucas Byrd and Danny Pucino really got the momentum going. Byrd's just tenacious and Pucino had highlight reel takedowns."

Redshirt sophomore Lucas Byrd (133 lbs.) earned his first win of 2023 when he pinned Cullan Schriever (Iowa) in 2:58 to tie the dual at six. Sophomore Danny Pucino (141 lbs.) then went on to major decision Iowa's Drew Bennett to give the Illini their first lead 10-6.

"What a wonderful way to start the year for Mike Carr picking up a ranked win in his first match back in years. Mike will continue to get more comfortable out there and the skies the limit for him. Edmond Ruth is doing a good job picking up wins, but he knows he needs to attack more. He's as hard as anybody in the country to takedown but you can't keep playing with fire. He's good enough to put matches away earlier and build a lead. That's my job to get it out of him."

Sixth year Mike Carr returned to action for the Illini this time at 157 pounds. He defeated Cobe Siebrecht (Iowa) by a 12-7 decision to give Illinois their second lead at the intermission 13-12. Redshirt sophomore Edmond Ruth extended his winning streak to 16 when he defeated Nelson Brands (Iowa) in the first tiebreaker round 2-1; this tied the dual up for a second time at 16.

"Dylan Connell is starting to realize he belongs. He's had a great 4-5 weeks of wrestling. He didn't win tonight but I think the way the match went he's going to believe in himself more. Zac Braunagel baby! What a month he's had: Midland's champ and a top five win the country tonight in that guy's home. Can't say enough good things about him right now. His shots look great. His defense is stingy. Really impressed with him right now."

Redshirt junior Zac Braunagel had another intense match that came down to the wire. He secured a takedown in the last five seconds to take the win over Iowa's Jacob Werner 3-1 to tie the dual up for the third and final time at 19. Ultimately, the meet came down to the heavyweight match which ended in a stall out disqualification that awarded the winning six point to Iowa.

FULL RESULTS:

125: Spencer Lee (Iowa) defeated Maximo Renteria (Fall 2:24)
133: Lucas Byrd defeated Cullan Schriever (Iowa) (Fall 2:58)
141: Danny Pucino defeated Drew Bennett (Iowa) (Major Dec. 20-8)
149: Max Murin (Iowa) defeated Kevon Davenport (Fall 3:37)
157: Mike Carr defeated Cobe Siebrecht (Iowa) (Dec. 12-7)
165: Patrick Kennedy (Iowa) defeated Danny Braunagel (Major Dec. 15-4)
174: Edmond Ruth defeated Nelson Brands (Iowa) (TB-1, 3-1)
184: Abe Assad (Iowa) defeated Dylan Connell (Dec. 3-1)
197: Zac Braunagel defeated Jacob Warner (Iowa) (Dec. 3-1)
285: Tony Cassioppi (Iowa) defeated Matt Wroblewski (DQ, stall out)

"We'll enjoy the guys that performed well tonight and then refocus for Wisconsin once we wake up tomorrow morning."

UP NEXT

The Fighting Illini are back in action Sunday, Jan. 8 at home in the State Farm Center for Alumni night. They will welcome in Big Ten opponent Wisconsin at 3 p.m. CT.