WRESTLING

Wrestling: Brian Zane Set To Compete At NCAA Championships

Mar 6, 2008

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Norwich University senior wrestler Brian Zane is ready to wrap up his stellar collegiate career at the NCAA Championships this weekend in Waterloo, Iowa. The fifth-year senior, who won the New England championship at 133 pounds, will begin competition on Friday, March 7, at 11 a.m.

A native of Franklinville, N.J., Zane will go up against top-seeded Adam Johnson of North Central in his first round match. He is guaranteed a second match, regardless of whether he wins or loses his first bout. His second match will be against either eighth-seeded and returning All-American Jestin Hulegaard of Buena Vista or Phillip Greene of Merchant Marine. Zane actually defeated Greene earlier this season at the Military Academy Championships.

After starting this season with a 4-3 record, Zane has won 15 of his last 17 matches and enters Friday's action with a solid 19-5 overall mark. He is on the cusp of winning his 100th career match, as he brings a career record of 98-24 into the NCAAs.

This represents Zane's first trip to the NCAA Championships, but it is actually the second time that he's qualified for the event. Two years ago as a junior, he placed runner-up at 133 pounds at the New England Championships, and qualified for the nationals, but an injury prevented him from making the trip.

Then, right before his senior season he had emergency surgery and had to sit out the entire year. After being granted a fifth year of eligibility, Zane made it his mission to win at the New England Championships and finally get that crack at the NCAAs.

"I think Brian is peaking right now," said NU head coach Rich Hasenfus. "He's in the best shape of his career, and is completely injury-free. He is looking forward to the challenge of facing the very best wrestlers in the nation this week."

The 133-pound bracket is arguably the toughest this week with six returning All-Americans in this year's field. Zane is one of 14 New England Conference wrestlers competing this week. The 10 individual champions automatically qualify, and four others received wild card selections.

Norwich wrestling fans can follow along with Zane's progress this weekend by clicking HERE.


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