Gannon University wrestler Matt Turek shined against his most formidable opponent of the season in the Knights’ dual meet against Mercyhurst Wednesday night.
Turek displayed his relentless motor as he scored six points in the third period to defeat the Lakers’ 125-pounder Willie Bohince by a 10-7 decision.
Turek (13-0, 10-0) maintained his top ranking in Super Region One and his No. 2 national ranking. Bohince came into the match ranked second in the region and No. 4 nationally.
Gannon coach Don Henry said that the matchup could be a preview of the national finals.
“This was a huge match for [Turek],” Henry said. “I didn’t seem to bother him, but it scared the heck out of me.”
Turek entered the third period tied, 4-4, with his redshirt sophomore counterpart. Turek requested to start the final period from a neutral position. Henry said that Turek is most comfortable on his feet.
“Some people might panic when it’s tied in the third period, but he went right back to work,” Henry said.
Turek took the lead with a takedown, but Bohince was able to counter with a reversal. Turek responded with a reversal of his own and then followed up with a three-point near fall seconds later to take a 9-4 advantage.
Turek’s conditioning was displayed whenever there was a stoppage in the match. He would hustle back to the center of the mat and readily await his chance to get back at Bohince.
Henry said that Turek’s preparation for the biggest matchup of the season paid off for him.
“He’s a little machine,” Henry said. “I think that [Turek’s] conditioning was so much better than his opponents.”
Despite the five-point deficit, Bohince didn’t give up. He was able to score an escape and followed that with a takedown to cut the score to 9-7. Turek was awarded a riding point at the end of the match to secure the 10-7 victory.
Turek said he had been working diligently on maintaining his focus throughout the entirety of matches. He added that he was disappointed that he allowed Bohince take him down in the waning minutes of the match.
“I got taken down, again, which I think was a little lapse in judgment toward the end,” Turek said. “Overall, I feel that I was able to wrestle well and keep my nerves calm by taking it one point at a time.”
Turek improved his record to 3-0 against Bohince over the last two seasons, and handed the redshirt sophomore his first loss in 18 dual matches this season.
Turek also took another big step in the right direction on his campaign to be crowned a national champion.
CONNOR SONDEL
