Brester Remains Unbeaten, But Huskers Fall to Wyoming

Lincoln - No. 2 Craig Brester delighted the fans on Hometown Husker Day by remaining undefeated (20-0) in his senior season, although Nebraska (8-6) was unable to pull out a victory in the team race in a 29-10 defeat against the Wyoming Cowboys on Sunday afternoon at the NU Coliseum.

Wrestling in front of an estimated 300 Howells, Neb., residents, Brester moved within one victory of joining Nebraska's 100-win club with his 12-1 major decision over Alfonzo Hernandez. The two-time All-American is 99-18 in his NU career with 14 bonus-point victories in the 2009-10 season. On Sunday, Brester dominated Hernandez throughout the match, tallying his final takedown with one second remaining before a standing ovation from the Husker crowd.

Including Brester's victory, Nebraska won three of the last four bouts. Senior Stephen Dywer grinded out an 8-4 decision over Brock Smith at 174 pounds, improving his record to 17-2. The Rockton, Ill., native is also closing in on his 100th career win as he currently sits at 95-32 overall.

Sophomore Tucker Lane earned Nebraska's third and final win of the day to conclude the match with a 7-1 decision over L.J. Helbig. Lane (18-5) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first period with a takedown and three-point near fall en route to the easy victory, while helping Nebraska end the dual on a positive note.

The Huskers suffered six straight defeats to start the day, falling behind 26-0 before Dwyer's win at 174. Three of NU's losses were by less than four points, including redshirt freshman Josh Ihnen, who nearly knocked off No. 6 Joe LeBlanc at 184 pounds. Ihnen tied the match, 4-4, on an escape with 24 seconds remaining, but had his upset bid fall short as LeBlanc was credited the deciding point due to riding time in a 5-4 decision. Wyoming gained six points at 149 pounds, as Nebraska forfeited due to injury.

The Huskers will end the non-conference season with a pair of tough road duals at No. 22 Arizona State and No. 20 Oregon State next week. Nebraska meets the Sun Devils on Friday, Jan. 22 at 9 p.m., before ending the weekend against the Beavers on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m.

Wyoming 29, No. 17 Nebraska 10
Jan. 17, 2010
NU Coliseum
Lincoln, Neb.
125-#11 Michael Martinez (UW) wins by major decision over David Klingsheim (NU), 12-3 (UW 4, NU 0)
133-Cory VomBaur (UW) wins by decision over C.J. Napier (NU), 3-2 (UW 7, NU 0)
141-Chase Smith (UW) wins by decision over Mike Koehnlein (NU), 9-5 (UW 10, NU 0)
149-Cole Dallaserra (UW) wins by forfeit (UW 16, NU 0)
157-Jimmy Belleville (UW) wins by fall over Tyler Koehn (NU), 5:57 (UW 22, NU 0)
165-#9 Shane Onufer (UW) wins by major decision over James Nakashima (NU), 13-2 (UW 26, NU 0)
174-#3 Stephen Dwyer (NU) wins by decision over Brock Smith (UW), 8-4 (UW 26, NU 3)
184-#6 Joe LeBlanc (UW) by decision over Josh Ihnen (NU), 5-4 (UW 29, NU 3)
197-#2 Craig Brester (NU) wins by major decision over Alfonzo Hernandez (UW), 12-1 (UW 29, NU 7)
HWT-#13 Tucker Lane (NU) wins by decision over L.J. Helbig (UW), 7-1 (UW 29, NU 10)