Three Wolverines Pick Up Multiple Wins in Reno
by Clint Burgi

December 18, 2005

RENO, Nev. — Utah Valley State wrestler Justin Rawle won three matches Sunday at the Reno Tournament of Champions while Erkin Tadzhimetov and Mark South picked up two wins apiece.

Rawle finished 3-2 on the day, while Tadzhimetov and South each ended the day 2-2. After winning his first match over Monterrious Adams of Upper Iowa 7-4, Rawle dropped a match before winning his next two. His day came to an end at the hands of B.J. Jackson of Oklahoma State in a 7-2 decision.

South pinned Portland State's A.J. Lawrence to open up the day before falling to Penn State's David Erwin 9-1. After topping Lex Case of Boise State 8-2, his tournament ended after a loss to Stanford's Brian Perry in a 6-1 decision.

Tadzhimetov came into the tournament as the 8th seed at 133 pounds. After winning his opening match he drew the top seeded wrestler, Nathan Morgan of Oklahoma State, dropping a 7-3 decision. After pinning Dan Quintella of Northwestern State he drew the 5th seeded wrestler, Justin Pearch of Oregon, losing a close 3-2 decision.

Tadzhimetov is now 12-4 on the season highlighted by a 1st place finish at the Cylcone Open in November. Three of his four losses have come against wrestlers currently ranked in the top 10 in nation in the NWCA/Intermat Poll.

While the rest of the Wolverines will be off until the Lonestar Duals in Arlington, Texas on January 7th, Tadzhimetov will compete in the prestigious Midlands Tournament in Evanston, Illinois on December 29-30th. The Midlands is an invitation only tournament that is comprised of some of the most talented wrestlers in the country.