UNI Wrestlers Moore, Cabell in Hunt for National Titles

University of Northern Iowa wrestler Cooper Moore went on a pinning spree, knocking off the fourth seed at the NCAA Division I Wrestling 2015 National Championships Thursday, to join teammate Blaize Cabell in the hunt for a national title.

“There’s a lot of emotions out there,” said Moore, seeded 13th at 165 pounds. “It’s about controlling everything, staying calm while you’re out there and having fun and just embracing the moment.”

Moore notched the second fastest fall (1 minute, 37 seconds) in the first round against Purdue’s Patrick Robinson IV. He followed it up with a 2:19 fall against No. 4 Nick Sulzer of Virginia, a two-time All-American who took fourth last year.

“It’s a great win. I am just thankful for the opportunity,” said Moore. “It’s great momentum. It’s next guy now - just one match at a time. So I feel good. I am excited and I am ready to wrestle.

Sulzer beat Moore 13-6 at the Cliff Keen Invite in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“It was about going after him. That was the biggest thing and not holding back on my offense,” said Moore. I am ready to battle and ready to compete, and that’s the biggest thing.”

Moore had the second fastest pin in the first round and leads the championship in most falls in the fastest time.

Heavyweight No. 7 Blaize Cabell pushed through to win two close bouts starting with Illinois’ Brooks Black, getting the 3-2 decision.

“I don’t like usually doing that 3-2 game, but sometimes you just have to find a way to win,” said Cabell. “Sometimes you just have to grind them out. I would have liked to get a few more shots, but sometimes it’s hard to move some of those big guys who just want to keep me gummed up.”

Cabell faced a familiar foe in No. 10 Ty Walz of Virginia Tech. Cabell extended his series wins to 3-0 over Walz with a 3-1 win in sudden victory.

Three of four UNI wrestlers won their first bouts. Basil Minto started out with a pigtail match at 197 pounds and advanced, beating Nathan Rotert of South Dakota State, 8-2.

“It was good for him to get a win,” said head coach Doug Schwab. “We’re trying to make a run, because there are guys who will be on the stand that no one is expecting.”

Minto fell to No. 3 Kyven Gadson of Iowa State. Gadson’s riding time was the point Gadson needed for the 19-4 tech fall. A loss to Phillip Wellington of Ohio ended the senior’s run.

No. 9 Dylan Peters bowed out on the first day falling to American’s David Terao and No. 8 Tyler Cox of Wyoming.

UNI wrapped up the day with nine team points to tie for 16th place.