Isaiah Martinez Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Isaiah Martinez Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Illinois wrestling team faced a challenging dual against No. 4 Nebraska, resulting in a 28-9 loss at the Devaney Center on Sunday. Despite the overall defeat, there were notable performances from individual wrestlers on the Illinois team.
Graduate student Tony Madrigal, ranked No. 33 in the 133 lbs. category, achieved an upset victory over Nebraska's No. 17 Jake Van Dee. Madrigal's strategic performance led to an 8-3 decision win. He managed to escape with three seconds left in the first period and secured a crucial takedown with about 30 seconds remaining in the third period.
Redshirt junior Edmond Ruth, ranked No. 9 in the 174 lbs. category, also secured a victory against Nebraska's No. 33 Bubba Wilson with a decision of 4-0. Ruth currently leads his team with 14 wins this season and has scored a total of 28 dual points.
Another highlight for Illinois was redshirt sophomore Jake Harrier's first Big Ten dual win of the season in the 149 lbs. category against Blake Cushing from Nebraska. After both wrestlers scored only an escape during regulation time, Harrier quickly took control in overtime to win with a score of 4-1.
The Fighting Illini wrestling team will next compete on Friday for senior day at State Farm Center against No. 10 Minnesota at 7 p.m.
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