Rodriguez Takes Silver on Day One in Akron

AKRON, Ohio – Redshirt sophomore Dante Rodriguez made his return to the mat at the 2017 UWW University Nationals after suffering a season-ending injury at the same event last season. In his first appearance in over a year, he took runner-up honors at 66 kg (Greco-Roman).

On the day, Rodriguez posted a 3-1 record behind three technical falls and 43 total match points.

In the championship bout, Rodriguez was slated with UMC's Raymond Bunker. After the first period of action, Bunker held a 3-0 advantage. Rodriguez clawed back in the second, making the score 3-2, but Bunker was able to pull away to earn a 10-2 victory.

To reach the 66 kg-finals, the Kearney, Neb., native spared no time, knocking off Utah Valley's Chase Call in 39 seconds. He picked up a quick five points and then turned the Wolverine twice to win by 9-0 technical fall.

Rodriguez piled on the points in his first two victories of the day. He beat Jessy Williams of Northern Michigan by 21-11 technical fall and opened the tournament with a 10-0 technical fall over David Prado, whom also wrestles at Northern Michigan.

The rest of the Iowa State wrestling team will join Rodriguez in freestyle competition tomorrow morning. Wrestling picks up at 9 a.m. (8 a.m. CT). Be sure to follow @CycloneWR on Twitter for live updates and match-by-match results.

Match-by-Match
Dante Rodriguez TF David Prado, 10-0.
Dante Rodriguez TF Jessy Williams, 21-11.
Dante Rodriguez TF Case Call, 9-0.
Raymond Baker TF Dante Rodriguez , 10-2.