Tigers put the clamps on Webb City

Nevada senior John Christie works on Webb City's Joel Wickencamp during their match Monday at Wynn Gymnasium. Christie earned a 21-13 major decision despite becoming light-headed and almost not being able to finish the match. The Tigers came from behind to win the team match 42-36.

By Joe Warren

Nevada Daily Mail

"It came down to the wire," Nevada wrestling coach Larron Hurst said after the Tigers had just defeated Webb City 42-36 at Wynn Gymnasium.

The match did come down to the wire. After the Tigers spotted the visiting Cardinals 12 points with consecutive open weights, Webb City led 30-15 with six matches to go.

The Tigers battled back to tie it at 30 with a pin by Josh Palmer, a technical fall by David Hawks and a major decision by John Christie.

Webb City was on the verge of clinching the match after a pin by Andrew Smith of Nevada's Matt Kennedy at 145 pounds.

Nevada junior Keith Overton, finally getting over an illness that has plagued him the past few weeks, came through with a huge pin of Webb City's Seth Reynolds in 1:02 of the first period to tie the match at 36.

That set up a decisive, winner-take-all match between Nevada freshman Spenser Daniels and Webb City freshman Datrick Elmore.

Hurst said at this point he was confident that the Tigers would prevail.

"I felt real confident having Spenser being the closer tonight," Hurst said. "I had 100 percent confidence that he would get the job done."

He did more than get the job done. Needing only a decision to win the match, Daniels gave the Tiger crowd and his teammates something to cheer as he attacked quickly and pinned Elmore in 1:18.

It was the fifth pin of the night for the Tigers. Tyler Shouse and Mason Heard joined Daniels, Palmer and Overton in successfully putting their opponents on their backs.

Already giving up 12 points because they didn't have wrestlers in the 119 and 125-pound classes, the Tigers almost gave up six more when Christie became light-headed in the 140-pound match. Leading 14-7, Christie almost could not start the third and final period as he just sat on the mat, unable to get up.

The referee timed how long it took for Christie to regain his sensibilities and it was almost long enough to give the match to Webb City.

Christie fought through the dizziness and fatigue, and went on to a 21-13 major decision.

"Sometimes his body just does not cooperate with him," Hurst said about the senior. "He puts everything into it."

The win improved Nevada's record in duals to 4-5 this season. The Tigers are 2-2 in Southwest Conference action.