Michigan State University
Central Michigan
Wrestling Suffers Tough Defeat at No. 7 Central Michigan
11/29/2007 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 29, 2007
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Michigan State wrestling (2-3) couldn't fend off the nation's seventh-ranked program as Central Michigan (5-0) defeated the Spartans 33-3 Thursday night in front of 1,755 fans at the Chippewas' Rose Arena. Central Michigan brought eight ranked wrestlers to its starting lineup, proving to be too strong for Spartans' two ranked starters. The Chippewas have now won 15 consecutive duals, dating back to last season.
Tallying the only win for the Spartans, No. 6 Franklin Gomez earned his third win over a ranked opponent this season, as the 133-pounder defeated No. 14 Conor Beebe to maintain his perfect record this year (9-0). Posting two takedowns in both the first and third periods, Gomez sealed a 10-3 decision, and gave the Spartans a chance to stay alive, tying the match 3-3.
The dual started at the top of the order, as Clint Frutiger took the mat for his second start of the season. The close match ultimately came down to two points awarded to CMU's No. 14 Luke Smith after Frutiger was issued a third caution. Smith started in the down position but managed an escape, and with the riding point, defeated Frutiger 5-3.
Despite Gomez's revival efforts, the Spartans failed to earn another win for the remainder of the dual as Central Michigan continued to pile on the points, sweeping the final eight contests.
At 141 pounds, Jeff Wimberley looked to break out of a slump going up against Eric Kruger. After trading reversals in the third period, Wimberley fought back to tie the match at 7-7 with an escape and takedown, but Kruger countered with an escape and tacked on the riding time point to win 9-7.
CMU's No. 13 Brandon Carter posted a 12-3 major decision victory over Tim Hammer at 149 pounds. In addition to his five takedowns, Carter built up a 3:45 riding time advantage to cushion his lead.
The Chippewas extended their lead to 13-3 as Tyler Grayson tallied four takedowns and the riding time point en route to defeating John Fulger 9-3 at 157 pounds. In the next bout, Central Michigan earned its second major decision as No. 18 Trevor Stewart bested Rex Kendle 8-0 at 165 pounds.
At 174 pounds, John Murphy managed five escapes but couldn't counteract fourth-ranked Brandon Sinnott's five takedowns, as Murphy dropped the bout 12-5. Now with a commanding 20-3 lead, No. 6 Christian Sinnott followed his brother's lead, and posted five takedowns against Nick Palmieri at 184 pounds; in the 12-4 major decision, Palmieri tallied points with four escapes.
Michigan State's No. 15 Joe Williams took the mat with his undefeated dual record, 3-0, on the line. Williams hoped to upset No. 5 Wynn Michalak at 197 pounds, and faired well entering the third period down only 3-2. But Michalak's late takedown with 30 seconds left in the third finalized the Chippewa 5-2 victory, and halted Williams' flawless dual record.
In the evening's final bout, CMU's highest ranked wrestler capped the night with a fall as No. 2 Bubba Gritter pinned MSU's Freddie DeRamus in 1:32.
The Spartans will return to action Sunday, Dec. 2, when Michigan State travels to State College, Pa., for the Penn State Open.
#7 CMU 33, def. Michigan State 3
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 • 7:30 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant, Mich. • Rose Arena
125: #13 Luke Smith (CMU) dec. Clint Frutiger (MSU) 5-3; CMU leads 3-0
133: #6 Franklin Gomez (MSU) dec. #14 Conor Beebe (CMU) 10-3; Tied 3-3
141: Eric Kruger (CMU) dec. Jeff Wimberley (MSU) 9-7; CMU leads 6-3
149: #13 Brandon Carter (CMU) maj. dec. Tim Hammer (MSU) 12-3; CMU leads 10-3
157: Tyler Grayson (CMU) dec. John Fulger (MSU) 9-3; CMU leads 13-3
165: #18 Trevor Stewart (CMU) maj. dec. Rex Kendle (MSU) 8-0; CMU leads 17-3
174: #4 Brandon Sinnott (CMU) dec. John Murphy (MSU) 12-5; CMU leads 20-3
184: #6 Christian Sinnott (CMU) maj. dec. Nick Palmieri (MSU) 12-4; CMU leads 24-3
197: #5 Wynn Michalak (CMU) dec. #15 Joe Williams (MSU) 5-2; CMU leads 27-3
285: #2 Bubba Gritter (CMU) pin Freddie DeRamus (MSU) Fall 1:32; CMU leads 33-3
Players Mentioned
