Wolverines' Competition Proves too Tough in Texas
by Clint Burgi

Jan. 7, 2006

EGRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Utah Valley State struggled Saturday at the Lone Star Duals after drawing two nationally ranked Division-I opponents and the 5th ranked Divsion-II team in nation. Wrestling four duals during the day the Wolverines lost to Harvard (40-9), #24 Navy (39-7), #3 Oklahoma (47-4) and #5 (D-II) Central Oklahoma (35-6).

Other than a Talon Vickers win by forfeit, the Wolverines' only other win in the opening dual against Harvard came when Justin Rawle topped Matt Button 6-5 in the 141 pound match. At 133 pounds, 7th ranked Robbie Preston of Harvard topped Tadzhimetov 5-2, beating the Wolverine senior for the 2nd time this season. The two met at the Las Vegas Invitational on December 2nd with Preston winning 6-0.

Against Navy, Tadzhimetov picked up his first win of the day over Caleb Levee in a 12-3 major decision. Daniel Polkowske was the only other Wolverine to win, as he beat Brad Canterbury 12-8.

#3 Oklahoma didn't take it easy on Utah Valley State either, with the only Wolverine win coming from Tadzhimetov, who scored a major decision over Trey Blakely 12-2.

In the final dual of the day, Vickers topped Shane Caruthers 3-1 and Tadzhimetov scored an 8-2 decision over Earl Jones to give Utah Valley State its only two wins of that match.

Tadzhimetov had the most success on the day for the Wolverines, finishing 3-1.

The Wolverines continue their busy schedule as they will wrestle Portland State next Wednesday in Portland before taking on Oregon and Pacific (Oregon) next Friday in the Oregon Classic.