WRESTLING: Va. Tech routs the Cyclones

The following is a press release courtesy of Iowa State athletics communications. 

BLACKSBURG, Va. – The No. 13 Iowa State wrestling team (0-1, 0-0 Big 12) dropped its season opener to No. 6 Virginia Tech (1-0, 0-0 Big 12), 32-3 at Cassell Coliseum.

No. 4 Earl Hall notched the only win for the Cyclones on the afternoon. The Cyclone senior was pitted against VT’s No. 19 Kevin Norstrem. The two 133-pounders traded escapes in regulation, but neither could connect on their offense to gain an advantage in the first seven minutes.

Hall was quick to end the bout in sudden-victory. He had shot a couple of doubles in regulation that had just missed, but he landed his first shot in the overtime period to secure the 3-1 dec.

Freshman Nathan Boston made his debut in a Cardinal and Gold singlet today. He drew No. 6 Joey Dance of Virginia Tech. Midway through the second; Boston threw a cement mixer but was unable to lock it up for back points. The match ended 2-2, but Dance’s 1:41 RT gave him the decision, 3-2.

Down a weight this season, No. 13 Lelund Weatherspoon went up against No. 2 Zach Epperly at 174 pounds. Following an escape to begin the second, Weatherpsoon got in on Epperly’s leg. He looked to secure a cradle and grab some back points, but Epperly was able to shake free and ultimately go on to win this one, 4-1.

Up Next…

Iowa State will return home to Ames for a competition-packed week. The Cyclones will take on Midland and Boise State on Thursday, Nov. 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. They will close out the weekend with the annual Harold Nichols Cyclone Open on Sunday, Nov. 15.

Match-by-Match

125: Joey Dance (VT) dec. Nathan Boston (ISU), 3-2 (1:41 RT)
133: Earl Hall (ISU) dec. Kevin Norstrem (VT), 3-1 (SV-1)
141: Solomon Chishko (VT) dec. John Meeks (ISU), 3-1 (SV-1)
149: Sal Mastriani (VT) dec. Blayne Briceno (ISU), 6-2 (1:15 RT)
157: Nick Brascetta (VT) maj. dec. Logan Breitenbach (ISU), 17-6 (3:18 RT)
165: Dave McFadden (VT) dec. Tanner Weatherman (ISU) 4-3
174: Zach Epperly (VT) dec. Lelund Weatherspoon (ISU), 4-1 (2:00 RT)
184: Zack Zavatsky (VT) dec. Dane Pestano (ISU), 13-6 (3:33 RT)
197: Jared Haught (VT) (WBF)
285: Ty Walz (VT) maj. dec. Quean Smith (ISU), 21-7 (3:00 RT)