West Virginia no contest for Cyclone grapplers

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Iowa State wrestling team (5-3 overall, 1-1 Big 12) won nine matches on Saturday en route to a convincing 30-3 victory over West Virginia (1-7 overall, 0-3 Big 12).

Senior heavyweight Matt Gibson provided the highlight of the dual for the Cyclones, with a pin in the final match of the day. With a large contingency of family members in attendance, Gibson, ranked No. 19 nationally, pinned West Virginia senior Phil Mandzik in 5:39.

The Cyclones also won two overtime thrillers. John Meeks at 133 pounds and Logan Molina at 157 pounds both took home victories in the added period.

Meeks was knotted at 4-4 with West Virginia’s Colin Johnston after the third period. After a scoreless sudden victory period, Meeks chose down and got quick escape in the following 30-second period. Johnston also chose down to start the next period, looking to tie the match. Meeks had other plans however, and was able to ride Mountaineer junior out for the 5-4 victory.

At 157, Logan Molina of Iowa State was tied with West Virginia’s Jason Luster, 2-2 at the end of regulation. Molina was able to convert a takedown on the edge of the mat in first sudden victory period to get the 4-2 win.

The Cyclones will be back in action on Friday to take on Arizona State at 7 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum.

Complete results:

125: Ryak Finch (ISU) dec. Shane Young (WVU), 3-0

133: John Meeks (ISU) dec. Colin Johnston (WVU), 5-4 (OT)

141: Nathan Pennesi (WVU) dec. Luke Goettl (ISU), 5-1

149: Max Mayfield (ISU) dec. Tre Miller-Scott (WVU), 4-1

157: Logan Molina (ISU) dec. Jason Luster (WVU), 4-2

165: Mike Moreno (ISU) dec. Ross Renzi (WVU), 5-2

174: Tanner Weatherman (ISU) dec. Bubba Scheffel (WVU), 8-4

184: Boaz Beard (ISU) dec. Lance Bryson (WVU), 4-0

197: Kyven Gadson (ISU) dec. A.J. Vizcarrondo (WVU), 11-4

HWT: Matt Gibson (ISU) WBF Phil Mandzik (WVU), (5:39)