Bulls Exit NCAA National Championships

OMAHA, NE – Following day one of the 2010 NCAA National Wrestling Championships at the Qwest Center Omaha in Omaha, NE, two Bulls remained standing, 18th nationally-ranked Desi Green and 17th nationally-ranked Kevin Smith. By Friday morning, Green and Smith's journeys at the national championships came to an end in the consolation rounds.

In the third consolation round of the 149-pound weight class, Green faced a familiar conference opponent in 19th nationally-ranked Seth Morton of Ohio. In all-time bouts versus Morton, Green held a 3-0 advantage. Earlier this month, Green defeated Morton, 3-2, to earn the individual crown at the 2010 Mid-American Conference Championships. Looking to repeat the outcome, Green was successful in doing so.

To begin the bout, Green scored a pair takedowns followed by a pair of Morton escapes to take a 4-2 lead. Green managed to extend his lead to 5-2 with the lone point of the second period, an escape from the bottom position. Despite Morton scoring a pair of points in the third period, Green held on for a 5-4 victory and a chance to move on.

Reaching the fourth consolation round, Green grappled with 16th nationally-ranked Andrew Nadhir of Northwestern. Holding a 2-1 edge following the opening period, Green saw his lead erased off an early escape and a takedown in the second. In the final period, Green pulled within one, 4-3, with a quick escape off the whistle. Nadhir countered with a takedown to extend his lead to 6-3. Moments later, Green tied the bout at 6-6 off an escape and takedown. Nadhir would pull away late in the period with an escape and a takedown to defeat Green, 9-6. In his second appearance at the national championships, Green posted a record of 2-2.

Continuing on in the 133-pound bracket, Smith challenged 14th nationally-ranked Steve Mytych of Drexel. Earlier in the season, Smith was edged by Mytych, 6-4, at the East Stroudsburg Duals. At the sound of the whistle, both wrestlers aggressively began trading shots. Mytych scored the first points of the bout off a single-leg takedown of Smith for a 2-0 lead. Smith managed to collect a reversal to tie the contest at 2-2. Moments later, Mytych escaped Smith's grasp to take a 3-2 lead to end the period. In the second period, Mytych rode Smith for most of the period. Smith made numerous successful attempts to return to his feet but Mytych was able to return him each time. With an escape to begin the third period, Mytych extended his lead to 4-2. Looking to close the gap, Smith relentlessly shot on Mytych numerous times. At the end of the bout, Mytych would be awarded a riding time point for the 5-2 victory. Making his first appearance at the national championships, Smith compiled a record of 1-2.

The 2010 NCAA National Championships will conclude on Saturday, March 20 at 7:30 pm EDT with the sixth and final session.