For some people, June 17,1994 is the most storied day in sports history, and ESPN declared it that by with the making of its own 30 for 30 film. Though last night cannot compare to hopes for an OJ Simpson admission, the Rangers' tickertape parade, Arnold Palmer's final US Open, the World Cup beginning in Chicago, and an elimination game between the Knicks and Rockets in the NBA Finals, last night left its mark on college sports. Between a Cinderella story of Wichita State beating mighty Gonzaga to advance to the Sweet 16, and Kyle Dake's historic wrestling national championship, it is impossible to say that today's edition of SportsCenter was boring or meaningless.
Dake Makes History
Not even two weeks after Anthony Ashnault made New Jersey high school wrestling history, Kyle Dake made national history. Ashnault became the Garden State's first wrestler to win 4 state titles with an undefeated record. The one thing more challenging than that, Cornell's Kyle Dake completed last night, winning 4 national championships, in 4 different weight classes, an unheard of feat. The road to these 4 national championships began back in 2010, with a victory over Iowa's Montell Marion for the 141 lb crown. Dake repeated as a sophomore, this time at 149 and over Frank Molinaro of Penn State. In his third year, and third weight class, Dake beat another Hawkeye wrestler, Derek St. John, who won the 157 lb title yesterday. The biggest test for Dake would be his last college match.
Former 165 lb champion and Olympic gold medalist, Jordan Burroughs, convinced Dake to move up to 165 this year, to complete the unheard of accomplishment. The only thing standing in his way of a fourth title was reigning Hodge Trophy winner and 165 lb champion, as well as longtime friend, Penn State's David Taylor. The back story leading up to the match could not get any better. The two had trained together for the past decade, becoming close friends while facing each other numerous times. The match fit the hype. Dake was down early, after a very uncharacteristic takedown less than 20 seconds into the match, but soon Dake took over as he always does. Throughout the match, Dake controlled Taylor earning the riding time point which would later determine the outcome. With about 3 seconds left, Taylor showed immense class by not going for a buzzer beating takedown, letting his friend have the glory they had been chasing together for years. This may have been a wrestling match between two college kids, but there was so much more to it. The coverage resembled an Ali/ Frazier bout, whereas the entrances had the effect of a WWE match, not to mention making college wrestling history, that is impossible to break and may never be matched again.
The Shockers Shock the World
While Kyle Dake was making history, the Wichita State Shockers spoiled history, ending the winningest season in NCAA basketball history to advance to the Sweet 16. The world was still in shock from Florida Gulf Coast's upset over Georgetown Friday night, when Gonzaga was ousted in a dramatic 76-70 loss at the hands of Wichita State. The Bulldogs became the first 1 seed eliminated in the tournament. Gonzaga played catchup the entire game, but lost a newly gained 8 point lead halfway through the second half. After the short Gonzaga lead, Wichita would dominate for the remainder of the game, punching their ticket to the Sweet 16.
Both teams shot well from beyond the arc, converting 22 three pointers, however it was Wichita State's 14 threes that made the difference. Other than Gonzaga's strong perimeter shooting, the Zags struggled in general, shooting a measly 36%. Though the Shockers still have a long road ahead of them, they showed how good they really are and that on any given day, anything happen in one game. Wichita State will take on the winner of the Ole Miss and La Salle game in the Sweet 16. I can guarantee nobody had that matchup in their bracket.
Dake Makes History
Not even two weeks after Anthony Ashnault made New Jersey high school wrestling history, Kyle Dake made national history. Ashnault became the Garden State's first wrestler to win 4 state titles with an undefeated record. The one thing more challenging than that, Cornell's Kyle Dake completed last night, winning 4 national championships, in 4 different weight classes, an unheard of feat. The road to these 4 national championships began back in 2010, with a victory over Iowa's Montell Marion for the 141 lb crown. Dake repeated as a sophomore, this time at 149 and over Frank Molinaro of Penn State. In his third year, and third weight class, Dake beat another Hawkeye wrestler, Derek St. John, who won the 157 lb title yesterday. The biggest test for Dake would be his last college match.
Former 165 lb champion and Olympic gold medalist, Jordan Burroughs, convinced Dake to move up to 165 this year, to complete the unheard of accomplishment. The only thing standing in his way of a fourth title was reigning Hodge Trophy winner and 165 lb champion, as well as longtime friend, Penn State's David Taylor. The back story leading up to the match could not get any better. The two had trained together for the past decade, becoming close friends while facing each other numerous times. The match fit the hype. Dake was down early, after a very uncharacteristic takedown less than 20 seconds into the match, but soon Dake took over as he always does. Throughout the match, Dake controlled Taylor earning the riding time point which would later determine the outcome. With about 3 seconds left, Taylor showed immense class by not going for a buzzer beating takedown, letting his friend have the glory they had been chasing together for years. This may have been a wrestling match between two college kids, but there was so much more to it. The coverage resembled an Ali/ Frazier bout, whereas the entrances had the effect of a WWE match, not to mention making college wrestling history, that is impossible to break and may never be matched again.
The Shockers Shock the World
While Kyle Dake was making history, the Wichita State Shockers spoiled history, ending the winningest season in NCAA basketball history to advance to the Sweet 16. The world was still in shock from Florida Gulf Coast's upset over Georgetown Friday night, when Gonzaga was ousted in a dramatic 76-70 loss at the hands of Wichita State. The Bulldogs became the first 1 seed eliminated in the tournament. Gonzaga played catchup the entire game, but lost a newly gained 8 point lead halfway through the second half. After the short Gonzaga lead, Wichita would dominate for the remainder of the game, punching their ticket to the Sweet 16.
Both teams shot well from beyond the arc, converting 22 three pointers, however it was Wichita State's 14 threes that made the difference. Other than Gonzaga's strong perimeter shooting, the Zags struggled in general, shooting a measly 36%. Though the Shockers still have a long road ahead of them, they showed how good they really are and that on any given day, anything happen in one game. Wichita State will take on the winner of the Ole Miss and La Salle game in the Sweet 16. I can guarantee nobody had that matchup in their bracket.
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