Jan. 16, 2009
• Complete Navy-American Results
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Kyle Borshoff's escape and subsequent takedown with 10 seconds remaining in the second period of the first tie breaker sealed a stunning 19-17 come-from-behind victory by American over Navy Friday night at Halsey Field House in Annapolis. American won four of the final five matches to overcome an eight-point deficit, as the Eagles defeated the Midshipmen for the first time in the seven-match series history.
"Did we have a bunch of wrestlers hurt tonight, absolutely, but all that means is it gave others an opportunity to step up. Did we have our chances to win this match tonight, yes, we did. Bottom line is we didn't get the job done," said a dejected Bruce Burnett, head coach of the Midshipmen. "There's absolutely no excuse for not being in good enough shape at this time of the year to be in these matches. I'm very disappointed, but we have to get back on the mat tomorrow night and face a team that's twice as good as the team that just beat us here on our own mat."
With the match starting at 157 pounds, Navy took an early 6-0 lead by winning the opening two bouts. Despite falling behind just 11 seconds into the match, Navy senior Joel Ahern (Herkimer, N.Y.) gutted it out and pulled off a 3-2 decision over American's Patrick Graham. After Graham scored the opening takedown, Ahern got loose and closed within one. He knotted the match at two apiece in the second period by choosing the down position and busting loosed from Graham's grasp. Ahern was able to ride Graham out from the opening whistle in the third period and earned the winning point by way of 1:09 in riding time.
After a scoreless opening period at the 165-pound match, Navy sophomore Matt DeMichiel (Whitesboro, N.Y.) put up the first point with an escape in the second stanza. With just 19 seconds remaining in the period, DeMichiel rode Christopher Stout to the mat to take a 3-0 advantage heading into the final period. Like Ahern in the previous match, DeMichiel was able to ride out Stout in the third and tacked on a point for riding time (1:52) to take the match, 4-0.
While Navy worked hard to secure its 6-0 advantage, it was wiped away in a near blink of an eye. Navy junior Mike Billings (Waterford, Mich.) was no match for Mike Cannon, the nation's third-ranked 174-pounder, who muscled Billings' shoulders to the mat for a pin at 3:44 to knot the score at 6-6.
The Navy took control of the match once again thanks to seniors Casey Caldwell (Liberty, Ind.) and Philip Neese (Lexington, S.C.). Caldwell absolutely manhandled AU's Anthony Fushino at 184 pounds, producing nine takedowns and a two-point nearfall en route to turning in a 23-8 technical fall in 6:37. Neese extended the Mids' lead to eight at 14-6 by way of a 5-4 decision over Andrew Silber. Neese held a 3-0 advantage midway through the second period before Silber narrowed the gap to 3-1 heading into the final period. Silber, who was down to start the third period, easily got out. Meanwhile, Neese was called for his second stall warning of the match with 47 seconds to go, giving Silber the tying point. With no riding time a factor in the match, Neese brought Silber to the mat for the match-winning takedown with 23 seconds remaining despite a Silber escape with three seconds to go.
American began to turn the tables when heavyweight Quinton Pruett pulled a surprise victory over Navy senior Tyler Moyer (Bremerton, Wash.). Pruett, who owned a 2-9 record heading into the competition, seemed to frustrate Moyer, who battled to get Pruett to the ground, but was unable to get around his body for the takedown. Twice Moyer looked to be in good position, but Pruett reversed the position and received the takedown points. Pruett earned the 8-2 win.
The lightweight match pit two freshmen against one another in Navy's Prescott Garner (West Linn, Ore.) against AU's Thomas Williams. Williams quickly owned a 6-0 decision before Garner could get his wits about him and score a reversal with 26 seconds remaining in the opening period. Williams pushed his lead to 8-2 with a two-point nearfall to open the second period, however Garner once again reversed the hold to trail, 8-4. The last minute of the second period and all of the third was one of playing keep away as Williams was charged with three stall warnings, as Garner pulled to within two with 38 seconds. With riding time in hand, Garner knew he was within a point and needed a takedown for the match. But it would not be had as Williams held on for the 8-7 win.
Navy temporarily interrupted American's momentum when senior Joe Baker (Poway, Calif.), ranked 10th nationally at 133 pounds, returned to the mat for the first time since the NWCA All-Star Classic in late November. Ravaged by injuries throughout his career, Baker has fought through adversity once again. AU's Jason Borshoff pushed Baker, but the senior returning All-American would take the 3-2 decision to give the Mids a 17-12 lead with two bouts remaining.
The Mids gave way to an extra-point loss at 141 pounds when junior Matt Pagan (Carteret, N.J.) gave up a takedown and a two-point nearfall with under 30 seconds remaining in the match. The Eagles' Matt Mariacher earned the major decision, 13-4, and set American up for the victory as it trailed, 17-16.
The final bout of the evening had the makings of a spectacular result long before each team knew the match would be settled by that match. The 149-pound match featured fifth-ranked Bryce Saddoris (Spring Creek, Nev.), who entered the match with a 30-2 record, against 12th-ranked Kyle Borshoff, who owned a 13-3 record. The match lived up to its billing as both wrestlers were methodical in their approach. Borshoff, who made it clear he was more comfortable riding the circle's edge, scored the match's first point with an escape to start the second period. Saddoris, meanwhile, took a brief lead by reversing Borshoff to begin the final period, only to have the match tied up when Borshoff got loose. Neither could get a good handle on the other, as time expired, sending the match into extra minutes.
The one-minute sudden victory proved to be a controversial one, as Saddoris looked to have Borshoff pinned not once, but on two occasions. However, the official thought otherwise and time expired with the arena incensed by the no-call. In the first tie breaker, Saddoris broke free and took a 3-2 advantage in the match, but was unable to score any more points. In the second tie breaker, Borshoff not only managed to free himself with 14 seconds to go, but caught Saddoris off balance and pulled up down from behind for the deciding takedown with 10 seconds remaining.
"It was a good match," said Burnett following Saddoris' loss. "Bryce had some chances, but we certainly didn't catch any breaks."
The Midshipmen will be back in action Saturday night when they play host to eighth-ranked Lehigh. Action is set for 7:00 pm at Halsey Field House in Annapolis.
American 19, Navy 17
157 - Joel Ahern (N) dec. Patrick Graham (A), 3-2
165 - Matt DeMichiel (N) dec. Christopher Stout (A), 4-0
174 - #3 Mike Cannon (A) WBF Mike Billings (N), 3:44
184 - Casey Caldwell (N) tech fall Anthony Fuschino (A), 23-8 (6:37)
197 - Philip Neese (N) dec. Andrew Silber (A), 5-4
HWT - Quinton Pruett (A) dec. Tyler Moyer (N), 8-2
125 - Thomas Williams (A) dec. Prescott Garner (N), 8-7
133 - #10 Joe Baker (N) dec. Jasen Borshoff (A), 3-2
141 - Matt Mariacher (A) major dec Matt Pagan (N), 13-4
149 - #12 Kyle Borshoff (A) dec #5 Bryce Saddoris (N), 5-3 TB1
### Go Navy ###
