University Park, Pa., Feb. 17, 2001 - On "Senior Day" in Rec Hall and before a crowd of 1,586 and a live television audience, Penn State and No. 20 ranked Michigan State staged an entertaining back-and-forth battle in which the Nittany Lions eventually prevailed, 17-16. For Penn State it was their first victory over a ranked team this season in 11 tries and the culmination of a weekend of wrestling in which the young squad showed signs of big improvements. The victory improved Penn State to 6-10, 3-4 in the Big Ten, on the year, while Michigan State fell to 5-9, 3-3 in the conference.

Penn State took the lead early in the match as junior Nate Wachter went right after Matt McCarty at 149 pounds. Wachter controlled the action in the 149-pound bout for a 9-4 victory. Michigan State tied things up in the next bout as No. 14 ranked Karl Nadolsky, wrestling up a weight, got an early lead and then held on, despite giving up two stalling points, for an 8-5 victory over freshman James Woodall.

Penn State jumped back into the lead, 6-3, on the strength of junior Doc Vecchio's12-7 victory over Anton Hall at 165. For Vechio, ranked No. 19, it was his eighth dual meet win in his last 10 bouts. Michigan State stole the lead right back when No. 10 ranked Rashad Evans put an 11-1 major decision win on freshman Todd Brennan at 174 pounds.

The Spartans then attempted to assert control of the match as they won the next two weights at 184 and 197 to take a 13-6 lead. However, Penn State sophomore heavyweight Pat Cummins set the table for a Penn State comeback when he posted a hard fought 4-2 decision over Michael Keenan. Cummins got the go-ahead takedown with just a second remaining to pull Penn State to within five, trailing 13-9. Michigan State again extended the lead as No. 15 Chris Williams downed freshman Adam Smith, 11-6, at 125 pounds. With the Spartans leading 16-9, Penn State needed some bonus points in the final two matches just for a tie.

They got that and more when sophomore Marat Tomaev put on a takedown clinic in posting a 25-9 technical fall over Scott Pushman at 4:22 of their 133-pound bout. Tomaev racked up nine takedowns in the first period for a 20-8 lead after the first stanza.

With the Lions within striking range, trailing 16-14, it then fell to sophomore Scott Moore to seal the upset victory. He did so posting his sixth-straight win and improving his season record to 27-9 with a 6-2 decision over Shane Martin at 133. With the win Penn State regained the lead in the series with Michigan State, 8-7, and ended a two-match Spartan win streak over the Lions.

Penn State returns to action next Saturday as they travel to No. 15 ranked Lock Haven for a 7:00 p.m. showdown.

 Penn State 17, #20 Michigan State 16 PS MS 149 Nate Wachter (PS) dec. Matt McCarty (MS), 9-4 3 0 157 #14 Karl Nadolsky (MS) dec. James Woodall (PS), 8-5 3 3 165 #19 Doc Vecchio (PS) dec. Anton Hall (MS), 12-7 6 3 174 #10 Rashad Evans (MS) Maj. Dec. Todd Brennan (PS), 11-1 6 7 184 Nathaniel Mesyn (MS) dec. Curt Thompson (PS), 12-6 6 10 197 John Wechter (MS) dec. Ryan Cummins (PS), 7-4 6 13 Hwt. Pat Cummins (PS) dec. Michael Keenan (MS), 4-2 9 13 125 #15 Chris Williams (MS) dec. Adam Smith (PS), 11-6 9 16 133 Marat Tomaev (PS) Tech Fall Scott Pushman (MS), TF25-9;4:22 14 16 141 #20 Scott Moore (PS) dec. Shane Martin (MS), 6-2 17 16 Attendance: 1,586 Ridge Riley Award: Marat Tomaev (133)