Rush repeats as NCAA champion

LA CROSSE, Wis. - Clayton Rush said he isn't the type of person to take a backseat to anyone.

So, when he was challenged early he shifted into overdrive and took control.

Rush withstood an early charge from Wisconsin-La Crosse's Lloyd McKinney, and powered his way to an 11-8 win for his second straight 125-pound national championship Saturday night at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships at the La Crosse Center.

"It means everything," Rush said about about a second straight crown. "This is why I'm here to come home with this."

McKinney came out on the attack, scoring a quick takedown and locking up a cradle. Rush rolled through and scored a reversal to end a flurry of action tied 2-2.

"I came out flat-footed. He came out firing, and that's what happens when you come out and you're not attacking right away," Rush said. "Thinking back, my first step off the very whistle was back."

Rush composed himself and took over, scoring three takedowns for an 8-6 lead with 49 seconds of riding time by the end of the first period.

"That's not the way I want to go out," Rush said. "That happens to you and you either raise your level or take a back seat. ... I want to be the best. I had to raise my level. It was either raise my level or he wins."

McKinney never threatened after the early takedown and managed two escapes around a third-period takedown by Rush.

Rush (34-1) finished his career winning 29 straight matches and 55 of his last 56. He was unbeaten against Division III opponents his final two seasons. Rush is the most decorated Kohawk wrestler of all-time. He is a four-time All-American, three-time national finalist in addition to his two titles.

"The first one was sweeter," said Rush, who has coaching aspirations. "This one is a little more bittersweet, because this the last time I will step foot on that stage as a wrestler."

Nick LeClere also made the finals for Coe. LeClere was edged by University of Dubuque's Josh Terrell, 6-5, in the 165-pound championship. Terrell rode LeClere for 1 minute, 58 seconds for the decisive point.

The Kohawks placed fifth with 67 points, earning a fourth-straight top-five team finish after three straight fourth places. Junior James Locke was seventh at 149 and senior Seth Rehn became a two-time All-American with fifth place at 184. It is the fifth-straight year Coe has had at least three medalists.

"I was proud of our guys," Coe Coach John Oostendorp said. "We had two unseeded guys become an All-American. Nick was in the finals in a great match. Clayton finished off another national championship with a lot of pressure on him. I'm proud of our guys. I really am."