Match-by-match results
MOUNT VERNON – Top-ranked Wartburg College pushed its season record to 17-1 with an impressive 41-0 Iowa Conference win over #13 Cornell Jan. 21.
Two individual victories proved to be keys. In a meeting of two 141-pounders who had a combined five NCAA Division III All-American honors, senior Matt Kelly of Dubuque, ranked #3, held off the Rams’ Kevin Donahue for a 3-2 decision. No. 3-ranked Carrington Banks (Stockbridge, Ga.), in a match-up of two ranked individuals, used a pair of third period takedowns to rally past #7 Nick Loughlin 6-5. The senior from Stockbridge, Ga., moved his season record to 21-2.
Three falls also highlighted the night for Coach Jim Miller’s team. Senior 125-pounder Mark Kist (Eagle Grove), junior 197-pounder Byron Tate (Clinton) and senior heavyweight John Helgerson (West Union) each turned in six points for the team score.
Wartburg (17-1 overall, 5-0 IIAC) now prepares for the 2011 Iowa Conference Duals Simpson section Saturday, Jan. 29. The Orange and Black put their remarkable string of 147 consecutive wins against the league on the line versus the host Storm, No. 5-ranked Coe, and No. 18-ranked University of Dubuque inside Cowles Fieldhouse on Simpson’s campus.
NOTES – Tate’s fall was his 39th win in his last 40 matches. … Helgerson’s pin was his 11th consecutive victory and third successive fall. … Banks has gained wins in 18 of his last 19 matches.
