Wrestling

NWCA/CLIFF KEEN DIVISION III NATIONAL DUALS
Preliminary Round: Delaware Valley College 26, North Central College 18
Quarterfinals: Delaware Valley 25, Luther College 17

CEDAR FALLS (IA) - Delaware Valley College heavyweight Kyle Bilquist notched pins in back-to-back matches and both sealed victories for the Aggies, including a 25-17 upset triumph over fourth-ranked Luther College (IA) in the quarterfinals of the 2007 NWCA/Cliff Keen Division III National Duals held at The University of Northern Iowa.

As a result, eighth-ranked Delaware Valley (8-1), which also posted a 26-18 victory over No. 21 North Central College (IL) in the preliminary round, has assured itself of a top four finish at the premier dual meet event in the country. The Aggies will battle defending national champion and second-ranked Wartburg College in the semifinals at 11:00 a.m. (CST) on Sunday. The other semifinal match-up features top-ranked Augsburg College (MN) against No. 6 Johnson & Wales University (RI).

The Luther match all came down to the final weight class with the Aggies holding a slim, 19-17 lead. Bilquist, ranked eighth in his weight class, battled No. 4 John Miller and it was no contest as Bilquist put Miller on his back just 36 seconds into the match to clinch the team victory. It was the sophomore transfer's 26th win of the season (26-3), including his 12th pin - both team highs.

Delaware Valley trailed 7-0 after the first two weight classes but Ricky LaForge, ranked fourth at 141 pounds, made it a one-point match as hoe pinned Travis Grawin just 44 seconds into the second period (3:44).

Luther (6-2) upped its lead to 10-6 with a decision at 141, but Ryan Herwig gave the Aggies a 12-10 advantage as he dropped Ben Kissling in exactly one minute of their 149-pound match.

Luther bounded back with a triumph at 165, but Paul Donnell and Martin Porter had back-to-back victories at 174 and 184 for a 19-13 Aggie lead. Donnell earned an 8-0 major decision over Greg Meirick while Porter notched a 5-1 victory over Luke Ties. Nationally-ranked Alec Bonander pulled
Lutcher to within two, 19-17, with a major decision at 197 pounds but Bilquist followed with his heroics.

Bilquist and Kevin Orr played key roles in the Delaware Valley's opening-round triumph over North Central. The Aggies trailed 18-14 heading into Orr's 197-pound match with Vinnie Sapienza. The match was tied at 2-2 when Orr notched a reversal with 20 seconds to go. Seven ticks later, Orr had Sapeinza on his back for the pin and a 20-18 lead.

That left it all up to heavyweight and Bilquist came through as he downed Rodney Knowlton with 43 seconds left in the first period (2:17).

Delaware Valley also picked up points from Josh Proctor (125), LaForge and Donnell. Proctor began the match with a 17-0, technical-fall triumph over Joe Norton. LaForge was awarded a victory by forfeit while Donnell earned a 9-6 decision over Greg Schroeder.

PRELIMINARY ROUND: DELAWARE VALLEY COLLEGE 26, NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE 18
125 - Josh Proctor (DVC) by technical fall over Joe Norton, 17-0 (3:30)
133 - Adam Johnson (NC) by technical fall over Justin Shorts, 18-2 (6:23)
141 - Ricky LaForge (DVC) by forfeit
149 - Noah Fitzenreider (NC) by decision over Jaryd Steinbacher, 7-3
157 - Bobby Gingerich (NC) by decision over Ryan Herwig, 4-0
165 - Ben Youel (NC) by major decision over Ryan Pope, 9-6 NC
174 - Paul Donnell (DVC) by decision over Greg Schroeder, 9-6
184 - Gabe Youel (NC) by decision over Joe West, 10-7
197 - Kevin Orr (DVC) by fall over Vinnie Sapienza, 6:47
285 - Kyle Bilquist (DVC) by fall over Rodney Knowlton, 2:17

QUARTERFINALS: DELAWARE VALLEY COLLEGE 25, LUTHER COLLEGE 17
125 - Nate Hansen (L) by decision over Josh Proctor, 9-4
133 - Zac Bartlett (L) by major decision over Justin Shorts, 11-2
141 - Ricky LaForge (DVC) by fall over Travis Grawin, 3:44
149 - Matt Pyle (L) by decision over Jaryd Steinbacher, 14-7
157 - Ryan Herwig (DVC) by fall over Ben Kissling, 1:00
165 - Nate Van Dyke (L) by decision over Ryan Pope, 5-1
174 - Paul Donnell (DVC) by major decision over Greg Meirick, 8-0
184 - Martin Porter (DVC) by decision over Luke Ties, 5-1
197 - Alec Bonander (L) by major decision over Joe West, 10-1
285 - Kyle Bilquist (DVC) by fall over John Miller, 0:36