February 3, 2007

Chicago Captures UAA Championship

CHICAGO -- Led by five conference champions, including the top newcomer, the University of Chicago wrestling team captured the University Athletic Association championship Saturday at the Ratner Athletics Center.

The Maroons won seven of eight contested bouts as they rolled to a 37-11 victory over Case Western Reserve University in their first dual of the afternoon.

Chicago then rallied from a three-point deficit after eight bouts to defeat defending Association champion New York University 20-17 in the championship contest.

The Maroons trailed 17-14 before senior Ben Barnes (Wheaton, Ill./ Wheaton Warrenville South) notched a 2-1 win at 197 pounds to tie the match at 17-17.

Senior Drew Marriott (Excelsior Springs, Mo./ Excelsior Springs) then posted a 10-4 decision at heavyweight in the deciding bout.

Both Barnes and Marriott moved up one weight class for the match with NYU. Barnes had wrestled all 10 of his previous matches at 184 pounds; Marriott had competed exclusively at 197 in his 24 bouts entering the UAA Championship.

Barnes was one of five Maroons crowned as UAA champions, joining senior 141-pounder Andrew Bribriesco (Bettendorf, Iowa/ Bettendorf), senior 165-pounder Phil Kruzel (Elmhurst, Ill./ Fenwick), senior 174-pounder Mike Bishof (Oak Brook, Ill./ York), and freshman 157-pounder Troy Carlson (Cary, Ill./ Cary Grove).

Carlson was also cited as the UAA Rookie of the Year. He won by major decision against NYU and by decision against Case.

NYU 149-pounder Gene Kobilansky garnered Most Outstanding Wrester accolades.

Chicago claimed its 12th UAA title in the 20-year history of the event and its sixth in the past seven years.

Head Coach Leo Kocher and Assistant Coaches Sean Barnes, Joe Bochenski, J.R. Moore, Ron Oglesby, and Oscar Santiago received UAA Coaching Staff of the Year recognition.

Complete Results