The West Virginia University wrestling team secured a 23-13 victory over No. 15 Northern Iowa at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on Saturday. This win marks the Mountaineers’ first triumph over a top-15 opponent under head coach Tim Flynn and their first win against Northern Iowa since the series began in 1982.
West Virginia, ranked No. 18, improved its record to 10-5 overall and 5-3 in Big 12 competition. The team has now reached at least ten dual wins for four consecutive seasons, a feat last achieved by the program from 1985 to 1988.
“This is a significant milestone for our program,” said head coach Tim Flynn. “Our wrestlers showed determination throughout the match.”
The dual began at 141 pounds with redshirt senior Jordan Titus earning his 90th career victory by defeating No. 26 Max Brady of Northern Iowa by decision. At 149 pounds, graduate student Willie McDougald returned for his second dual appearance of the season and won by decision against Ethan Basile.
Redshirt sophomore Ty Watters rebounded from a previous loss to secure a major decision at 157 pounds. Although Northern Iowa claimed victories in the next two bouts, West Virginia maintained a narrow lead midway through the contest.
Redshirt junior Ian Bush added another win for West Virginia at 184 pounds, defeating Nick Fox for his fourth victory over a ranked opponent this season. The momentum shifted further when an illegal slam led to Northern Iowa’s Carson Babcock being disqualified in the 197-pound bout, giving Rune Lawrence six points and strengthening West Virginia’s advantage.
After Jett Strickenberger lost by decision at 125 pounds, freshman Gunner Andrick closed out the night with a major decision over Julian Farber at 133 pounds. Andrick now holds an eight-win record in Big 12 competition and has seven victories against ranked opponents.
West Virginia will conclude its regular season on February 21 with an away match against Lock Haven.