Huskers in Second Heading into Final Day of Southern Scuffle

Chattanooga, Tenn. – Six Husker wrestlers advanced to the quarterfinals of the Defense Soap & Flips Wrestling Southern Scuffle after Thursday’s action from McKenzie Arena.

Nebraska is second in the team standings with 48 points heading into the final day as the Huskers trail four-time defending national champion Penn State by four points. Missouri rounds out the top three of the loaded 32-team field, which includes over half of last season’s top 25 team finishers from the NCAA Championships.

No. 1 Robert Kokesh (174) pinned all three of his opponents on Thursday to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. Kokesh, who improves to 18-0 on the season, will face 18th-ranked Kyle Crutchmer of Oklahoma State on Friday.

At 157 pounds, No. 2 James Green, the top seed, pinned Campbell’s Daniel Luty before collecting a 12-4 major decision over Craig Eifert of Cornell in the round of 16. Green, a three-time All-American, battles No. 19 Anthony Collica of Oklahoma State in the quarterfinals.

Spencer Johnson (197) picked up the biggest upset of the day with his 5-3 decision over top-ranked Kyven Gadson of Iowa State in the round of 16. Prior to that match, Johnson won by fall and decision to open the Southern Scuffle. He is set to face No. 15 Elliott Riddick of Lehigh in Friday’s quarterfinals.

No. 17 Tim Lambert (125), No. 20 Anthony Abidin (141) and No. 14 Collin Jensen (HWT) also advanced to the quarterfinals following Thursday’s action from McKenzie Arena. Lambert earned a pair of major decisions and added a decision on his way to the quarterfinals. Abidin opened with a decision before adding a major decision after a first-round bye. Jensen also had a bye, but collected a technical fall and decision on Thursday.

Eric Montoya (133) and Aaron Studebaker (184) each won two matches for the Huskers before falling into the consolation bracket. Justin Arthur (149), Austin Wilson (165), TJ Dudley (184) and Micah Barnes (197) each won one match on Thursday, but will begin Friday in the consolation bracket.

Wrestling unattached, Tyler Berger (149) and Derek White (197) each remain alive in the wrestleback bracket. Dustin Williams went 0-2 at 165 pounds and was eliminated.

The Southern Scuffle continues on Friday at 8 a.m. (CT) with the championship quarterfinals. The championship finals and medal matches are set for 6 p.m., after the semifinals and consolation bouts.