Opelt claims big win, helps Cornell to upset

MOUNT VERNON - Cornell's Phillip Opelt knows how rankings work, but he doesn't subscribe to them, especially when they are not in his favor.

He proved that last year when he knocked off a national runner-up to earn a trip to the NCAA Championships. The sophomore 133-pounder did it again last night.

Opelt six points in the second period to knock off fifth-ranked All-American Evan Obert, highlighting No. 22 Cornell's 19-14 upset over eighth-ranked Luther at the Small Multi-Sport Center.

'That was awesome to knock off someone you're not supposed to beat,” Opelt said. 'Rankings don't mean anything. You just go out and battle whoever wrestling every night.”

Opelt notched his first victory over Obert, dropping the Norse's three-time NCAA qualifier, 8-6. He said maintaining his intensity throughout the match was important and the emphasis on conditioning propelled him to victory.

'I wrestle the same against anybody,” Opelt said. 'I train so many hours in a week. Seven minutes on the mat for one match is nothing.”

Obert scored the opening takedown and went up 3-1 early in the second. A big move catapulted Opelt in front for good, scoring a takedown, continuing to place Obert on his back for two nearfall.

'I could feel him gas a bit,” said Opelt, who added another takedown in the second for a 7-5 lead going into the third. 'I knew I would be in control the rest of the match.”

Cornell Coach Mike Duroe said he witnessed Opelt develop from a competitive high school wrestler to a legitimate college-level contender during last year's regional. Last night's win could be another 'turn the corner” moment.

'He's an extremely hard work,” Duroe said. 'He studies film. He does everything right.”

Opelt (7-3) said he learned a lot from his national tournament experience. The plan is to keep improving through March.

'I've already come a long way from last year,” Opelt said. 'I still have a long way to go. The goal is to be a national champion.”

The Rams (2-3) fought the entire night, needing heavyweight Eric Tucker's 5-4 decision in the final match to secure the win.

Scott Smith (125) opened with a decision and eighth-ranked 174 Brent Hamm had a solid 10-4 win at 174, putting the Rams up 16-7 with three bouts remaining.

Duroe said the Rams remain a work in progress, but had a strong effort against Luther.

'I think our guys worked hard in the matches,” Duroe said. 'Even in the ones we lost the guys were working hard. We stayed in most of the matches.”

Fourth-ranked Trevor Engle and his twin brother, Aaron, gave Cornell some breathing room with consecutive wins and a 13-4 lead at the midway point.

Trevor Engle overcame a 6-1 deficit, getting put on his back in the first period, to score a 15-6 major decision over Dakota Gray at 149.

Aaron Engle, who transferred into the program this year, dropped Tristan Zurfluh, 11-4. Duroe said Trevor Engle, an NCAA qualifier looking for his first All-American finish, has benefitted from his brother's arrival.

'I think that's going to help him down the road as well,” Duroe said. 'It will help from a training point of view and a support point of view.”

Luther (1-1) won four matches, getting a major decision from third-ranked Drew Van Anrooy, a junior transfer from Oregon State. Javier Reyes added a decision at 165.

Luther Coach Dave Mitchell's strategy almost led to a comeback win. Backup Matt Chlebeck had a major decision at 184. Jayden DeVilbiss, ranked sixth at 184, moved up to 197, getting a decision and pulling the Norse within two points.

AT MOUNT VERNON

Cornell 19, Luther 14

(Individual takedowns in parentheses)

125 pounds - Scott Smith (C) dec. Julian Gendreau, 8-3 (3,1); 133 - Phillip Opelt (C) dec. Evan Obert, 8-6 (2,1); 141 - Drew Van Anrooy (L) major dec. Nathan Shank, 10-1 (4,0); 149 - Trevor Engle (C) major dec. Dakota Gray, 15-6 (2,2); 157 - Aaron Engle (C) dec. Tristan Zurfluh, 11-4 (3,0); 165 - Javier Reyes (L) dec. Danny Klema, 4-2, TB1 (1,0); 174 - Brent Hamm (C) dec. Justin Kreiter, 10-4 (4,0); 184 - Matt Chlebeck (L) major dec. James Garrett, 14-6 (5,1); 197 - Jayden DeVilbiss (L) dec. Aburough Abegesah, 10-5 (3,2); Hwt. - Eric Tucker (C) dec. Clayton Jennings, 5-4 (1,0).

MATCH STATISTICS

Takedowns - Cornell 18, Luther 17. Nearfall points - Cornell 12, Luther 2. Reversals - Cornell 1, Luther 2. Escapes - Cornell 18, Luther 20. Penalty points (awarded) - Cornell 0, Luther 1. Riding time points - Cornell 3, Luther 4. Attendance - 270.

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