Kokesh to Compete at NWCA All-Star Classic

An update on Oct. 16 from the original Oct. 8 release: Tyler Wilps is out due to injury and will be replaced by Brock Gutches of Southern Oregon. Gutches is a three-time NAIA national champion, and will wrestle Robert Kokesh on Nov. 1 at the NWCA All-Star Classic at the Palestra in Philadelphia, Pa.

Kokesh, a two-time All-American, will begin his senior season at the event, as he joins teammate James Green (157) at the NWCA All-Star Classic. Kokesh finished fourth at the 2014 NCAA Championships after capturing the 174-pound Big Ten title. The Wagner, S.D., native took third place in 2013, and holds a career record of 105-14 heading into his final season in a Husker singlet.

Kokesh compiled a 37-3 record last season, which included a perfect 14-0 dual record. He led the team in dual points (67) and pins (9), while adding five technical falls and 10 major decisions.

Kokesh and Green become the 30th and 31st Husker wrestlers to compete at the NWCA All-Star Classic and the first since 2009 when Jordan Burroughs, Stephen Dwyer and Craig Brester all competed.

The Huskers open the season by hosting their annual Intrasquad on Friday, Oct. 31 at the Devaney Center at 5 p.m. Nebraska’s first dual is set for Friday, Nov. 7 at Wyoming, starting at 4 p.m. (CT).