GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNCG's Caylor Williams pinned Appalachian State's Paul Glover in the waning seconds of the first period to pick up a crucial six points followed by 13-6 decision in the favor of heavyweight Peter Sturgeon as UNCG squeaked by Appalachian State, 21-20, in Southern Conference play on Wednesday evening in Fleming Gymnasium.
The Spartans won their third consecutive dual, boasted their overall record to 5-7, and moved to 3-0 in the conference. With the loss, Appalachian State falls to 6-8-1 overall and 0-2 in the SoCon.
UNCG is 3-0 in the conference for the first time since the 2006-07 season.
The evening started off at the 125 pound weight class between UNCG's Manny Ramirez and Appalachian State's Tony Gravely. Gravely was swift of foot and proved too much for Ramirez as Gravely scored two three-point near falls and two takedowns to score a major decision, 16-5, and give the Mountaineers an early 4-0 lead.
UNCG would respond at the 133 pound class thanks to a 14-3 major decision coming from Jamel Johnson. Johnson controlled the action over Brett Boston using multiple takedowns and near falls to get the win.
Knotted up at 4 a piece, the Mountaineers Mike Kessler tangled with Michael Crowley. After scoring a takedown and getting a near fall, Kessler led 5-0 after the first period. Kessler never relinquished the lead as he defeated Crowley, 7-2.
At 141 pounds, No. 17 Ivan Lopouchanski collected his 30th win on the year by handling Russell Benner. Lopouchanski brought the Spartan faithful to their feet multiple times as he scored 10 takedowns and secured four critical points, giving UNCG its first lead of the night, 8-7
UNCG's Matt Barbo and Mountaineers John Blakely were locked in a tight until Blakely scored a takedown in the third to win the 157 pound bout, 6-2.
Southern Conference Wrestler of the Week Kyle Blevins (165) was no match for UNCG's Brett Miller as Blevins set the tempo early and often, scoring a 12-2 major decision.
At 174 pounds, Byron Sigmon throttled Carter Downs, 14-1. Sigmon, current active wins leader for the Spartans, proved to be relentless as he went up 12-0 before allowing an escape.
With the score 14-12, in Appalachian State's favor, they sent Austin Trotman to the mat to face-off against Elijah Adams. Trotman used a quick takedown and a cradle to score a pin only 90 seconds into the match.
Down by eight with two bouts to go, UNCG used a little magic as Caylor Williams (197) proved too quick for Paul Glover. Williams scored a takedown and shortly thereafter pinned Glover in front of the Mountaineers bench. As the final bout was set to get underway, the Mountaineers lead by two. Heavyweight Peter Sturgeon impressed as he conquered freshman Marc Tyson of Appalachian State, 13-6, using multiple takedowns and giving UNCG the one point victory.
UNCG returns to action when they travel to Boone on Saturday as they will participate in the Appalachian State Open.
AGATE
UNCG 21, Appalachian State 20
125 Tony Gravely (ASU) maj. dec. Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 16-5
133 Jamel Johnson (UNCG) maj. dec. Brett Boston (ASU), 14-3
141 Mike Kessler (ASU) dec. Michael Crowley (UNCG), 7-2
149 Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) maj. dec. Russell Benner (ASU), 25-11
157 John Blakely (ASU) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 6-2
165 Kyle Blevins (ASU) maj. dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 12-2
174 Byron Sigmon (UNCG) maj. dec. Carter Downs (ASU), 14-1
184 Austin Trotman (ASU) fall Elijah Adams (UNCG), 1:30
197 Caylor Williams (UNCG) fall Paul Glover (ASU), 2:55
HWT Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Marc Tyson (ASU), 13-6