Kearney, Neb. – The 3rd-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team began its 2009-10 dual season with losses to Central Michigan, 37-3, and Nebraska, 23-18, Saturday at the NU Coliseum in Lincoln.

In the latest rankings, Central is 6th in Division I with the 'Huskers coming in at No. 12. Since 1999, UNK is now 4-9 in duals vs. D1 schools.

Central Dual Notes
Senior Marty Usman (Arlington, Texas) – currently ranked No. 1 in Division II at 174 lbs. -- recorded the Lopers only points against the Chippewas when he upset 5th-ranked Ben Bennett in three overtimes, 5-4.

Usman recorded a 1st period takedown to grab a quick 2-0 lead. Tied at three at the end of the third period, Bennett was twice called for stalling in the second overtime to give Usman the win.

Also, sophomore T.J. Hepburn (East Hampton, Conn.), now ranked 6th nationally, was edged by 13th-ranked Ton D'Alie, 9-7.

A takedown by D'Alie with just 15 seconds left prevented Hepburn from recording his 16th win of the year.

UNL Notes
The 'Huskers used a pin by 2nd-ranked Craig Brester at 197 lbs., and a 7-1 decision by 12th-ranked heavyweight Tucker Lane, to erase an 18-14 deficit and win by five.

Brester was up 10-0 on redshirt freshman Christian Flavin (Sharpsburg, Ga.). when he recorded a fall at the 3:57 mark with Lane allowing just an escape to beat junior Ben Hohensee (Monet, Mo.).

At 174 lbs., Usman suffered a rare loss when he was beaten by 3rd-ranked Stephen Dwyer, 2-0. Dwyer used an escape and 1:53 of riding time to score his points.

Among UNK's wins were a fall by Hepburn and a 6-4 win by senior Taylor May (Imperial) at 165 lbs. Finally, senior Joey Morrison, a Lincoln East grad, rallied from a 5-0 hole by scoring three near fall points as time expired to win his match, 6-5.

Up Next
UNK will send several wrestlers to the Midlands Dec. 29-30 at Northwestern.