Sunday, one particular wrestler proved the real meaning of "Husker Power."
No. 10-ranked Nebraska sophomore Craig Brester helped elevate the confidence of the No. 2 Cornhuskers as they went up against No. 18 Oklahoma at home.
After the fourth match of the night, the score was tied at 6-6. Both NU and OU had each recorded two decisions when Brester stepped up at 197 pounds facing No. 5 Joel Flaggert. After three periods, Brester gave up just one point and finished with a 6-1 decision. The referee caused some commotion in the stands when he awarded points to Brester for two stalling violations on Flaggert.
When Brester upset Flaggert, NU Coach Mark Manning said it helped the team stay positive. He said it propelled NU heavyweight Jon May to keep the momentum rolling when he wrestled next.
Manning said the win will help Brester prepare for the Big 12 Championships on Mar. 8.
"That was a big win for Craig," Manning said. "He just really dominated the match."
Brester said there weren't many nerves flowing through him, as he defeated Flaggert the last time they wrestled each other.
"I was pretty confident," Brester said. "It was a big match for me."
The Nebraska native from Howells improved his overall record to 18-3 this season and 10-3 in dual competition.
The win for Brester was a confidence builder at this point of the season. With only three duels left before the conference championship, Brester will attempt to keep his spirits high.
"Right now it is important," Brester said, "because I am building a lot of momentum going into the end of the season."
NU Coach Mark Manning said the win against Oklahoma was a good win for the team. Overall, the Huskers may not have competed to the best of their capabilities, but once the they make it to March, they should be there.
"I think Feb. 10 we didn't want to wrestle our best," Manning said, "but we want to wrestle our best in March."
By the end of the dual, Oklahoma had suffered its fourth loss of the season in the Big 12 Conference, after winning only three out of 10 matches against the Huskers. NU remained perfect in league play, picking up its third straight victory.
Beginning Saturday, Nebraska will compete against Rider in Lawrenceville, N.J. for its first non-conference competition since mid-January. On Sunday, the Huskers will take on Hofstra in Hempstead, N.Y.
In New Jersey, Brester will get another chance to face two more top-ranked wrestlers. According to the latest rankings at 197 pounds, Brester will clash with No. 8 Joe Rovelli from Hofstra and No. 17 T.J. Morrison from Rider.
Manning said these matches will be a good opportunity to prove his talent to the nation again, as long as he wrestles like he did on Sunday.
"Craig has two big duels this weekend," Manning said. "He just needs to keep being consistent."
danaahrens@dailynebraskan.com
