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NCAA Wrestling Championships: Waynesburg's Scott golden in final match
Gavin wins title at 174, first Pitt wrestler to go unbeaten since 1987-88
Sunday, March 23, 2008

Coleman Scott had to wait until the final match of his collegiate career to celebrate a national title. But the Oklahoma State senior didn't make the sellout crowd at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis wait long once he stepped onto the mat.

Scott (33-4), a graduate of Waynesburg High School, needed only 49 seconds to pin Iowa's Joey Slaton (36-5) in the 133-pound final. Scott is a four-time All-American who was making his second consecutive appearance in a title match.

Pitt's Keith Gavin also made a second consecutive appearance in a final and claimed his first title with a 4-2 decision against Michigan's Steve Luke (24-4) at 174. Gavin finishes the season with a 27-0 record to become the first Pitt wrestler to finish a season unbeaten since Pat Santoro went 48-0 in 1987-88.

"Keith is one of only two wrestlers in the country who finished unbeaten," Pitt coach Rande Stottlemyer said. "I knew when he stepped on the mat that he would win. I could see how confident he was."

"It was a feeling of relief," said Gavin, who got his winning points in the second period. "It's a big weight taken from my shoulders. I've work so long this."

Scott scored on a double-leg takedown 40 seconds into the match and quickly locked up a cradle at the edge of the mat. The referee signaled the fall and Scott jumped to his feet in celebration.

"I felt great tonight and did everything right," Scott said. "Coach [John Smith] always stresses taking someone to their back to get the pin. This is what you dream about, you know?"

Penn State had two entries in the finals, but only one captured a gold medal. Senior Phil Davis won the 197-pound title, while sophomore Bubba Jenkins finished second at 149.

Davis (26-1), who is only the fourth four-time All-American in Penn State history, made his second title appearance in three years and claimed his first title with a 7-2 win against Central Michigan's Wynn Michalak at 197.

Jenkins (26-6), the No. 6 seed at 149 pounds, had to settle for a silver medal after a 14-8 loss to top-seeded Brent Metcalf (39-1) of Iowa.

Davis and Jenkins were two of four Nittany Lions who earned All America status by placing among the top eight in their weight class. The others were Mark Mc- Knight and sophomore Dan Valliamont.

McKnight (19-11), a graduate of South Fayette High School, placed fourth at 125 after a 6-3 loss to Nebraska's Paul Donahoe in the consolation final. Mc- Knight was making his fourth NCAA appearance and became an All-American for the first time.

Valliamont (32-3) placed third at 157 after a 5-4 win against Indiana's Brandon Becker. His only loss came in the semifinals to Michael Poeta of Illinois.

The only other area placewinner was Edinboro junior Gregor Gillespie, who became the sixth wrestler in school history to become a three-time All-American. Gillespie (37-4) won the 149-pound title last year, but placed fifth at 157.

Iowa won its 21st team title. Penn State placed third behind Iowa and Ohio State.

First published on March 23, 2008 at 1:16 am
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