Match up: Behind the scenes with the Ram wrestlers

Cornell’s nationally known wrestling program is on the upswing, with 12 All-Americans crowned in head coach Mike Duroe’s five seasons with the Rams. His young squad has placed in the top 12 four of the past five years at the NCAA Division III Championships. In 2010, the team was honored as a National Wrestling Coaches Association All- Academic Top-20 Team.

Pre-match rituals

Wrestlers train and cut weight for a match later in the day by climbing rope, practicing on the mat, and riding bikes. Later, the athletes engage in various rituals as they prepare for the meet. One wrestler meditates while resting on a stability ball, as his teammate finishes dressing in the locker room.

   

Zero hour

Above: Senior Nick Nothern dominates his Coe opponent in the Rams’ final home meet. Nothern went on to place fifth at nationals at 133 pounds and became the sixth three-time All-American in school history, joining Chris Heilman ’08, Shawn Voigt ’90, Rodger Snook ’50, Lowell Lange ’50, and Lyle Morford ’32. Left: The Cornell coaching staff gets involved on the sidelines during a key juncture in the Coe dual meet. From left: Shawn Voigt ’90, Mike Duroe, Andrew Knaack, and Kyle Burkle sport pink breast cancer awareness T-shirts that sold out in 10 minutes before the meet.

Mat time

Nicholas Loughlin controls his Kohawk opponent in the 157-pound match (above), and goes on to win (below). Left: Joe Hambleton ices down after his bout at 174 pounds. Below: Jake Schwebke works for a fall in his match at 149 pounds.

Match over

Left: Coach Duroe offers some advice to Alex Riniker following his 165-pound match. Below right: Nothern’s girlfriend, senior Beth Von, and his father, Chip Nothern, honor him during a ceremony recognizing the senior wrestlers.   Below: Members of the Cornell baseball team roll up the mats at the conclusion of the meet.