Northwestern University Athletics
Welch is Victorious at NWCA All-Star Classic
11/21/2011 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 21, 2011
NWCA All-Star Classic
Site: Tempe, Ariz. (Wells Fargo Arena)
Match: No. 3 Jason Welch (NU) dec. No. 4 Granbayar Sanjaa (American), 8-5
Next NU Event: NU Duals – Dec. 11 – vs. SIUE (3 p.m.), vs. Indianapolis (5 p.m.)
TEMPE, Ariz. – Northwestern junior Jason Welch won his bout at the 46th annual NWCA All-Star Classic Monday night in Tempe, Ariz. Welch, who is ranked third in the country, came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat fourth-ranked Granbayar Sanjaa from American 8-5 in an exhibition match at 157 lbs.
Sanjaa struck first, taking down Welch with 2:19 remaining in the first period. He then was whistled for stalling three times in a matter of 20 seconds, giving Welch two points and the 2-2 tie. Welch added an escape to take the 3-2 lead into the second period.
Sanjaa tied things up one last time with an escape 15 seconds into the second but Welch responded with his first takedown of the match for the 5-3 lead. He then added to his lead with an escape (1:52) and takedown (1:12) in the third period, putting the score at 8-3 and concluding an 8-1 run for the NU grappler. Sanjaa escaped one last time with 35 seconds left and added a point for riding time for a final score of 8-5.
Welch is the 11th Wildcat in school history chosen to compete at the NWCA All-Star Classic and first since 2007 when Dustin Fox, Ryan Lang and Mike Tamillow wrestled in Dallas. Other past participants include: Russ Schneider (1968, 160 lbs.), Mark Massery (1971, 126 lbs.), Al Marzano (1978, 190 lbs.), Tom Janicik (1981, 158 lbs.), Mike Funk (1991, 190), Sam Neider (1999, 197) and Jake Herbert (2005, 2006, 184 lbs.).
Welch and the rest of the Northwestern wrestling team is off from competition until the NU Duals on Dec. 11. The Wildcats meet SIUE at 3 p.m. and Indianapolis at 5 p.m. in their first true home duals of the season at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
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