Nov. 22, 2009
Fullerton, Calif.. - Two-time All-American Maxwell Askren (Hartland, Wis.), ranked No. 1 in the nation at 184 pounds, held off ninth-ranked All-American Josh Patterson of Binghamton, 14-7, while competing at the 44th annual National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Star Classic held in Fullerton, Calif. Askren's win marks the second straight year in which a Missouri wrestler competed in, and won, his match at the annual event, 165 pounder Nicholas Marable (Collierville, Tenn.) won his 2008 match against Mack Lewnes of Cornell, 3-2.
Wrestling in Titan Gym on the campus of Cal State Fullerton, Askren put up four points in the first period with a takedown and reversal, but was reversed by Patterson to end the first three minutes of action, 4-2. Missouri's senior chose down to start the second period and turned Patterson for a reversal and four point lead. Patterson chose to start the third period in the neutral position and Binghampton's grappler took Askren down. Not to be outdone, Askren secured his third reversal of the match and locked up six points through takedowns with an additional point added for his 4:18 of riding time.
Senior teammate Mark Ellis (Peculiar, Mo.), the 2009 heavyweight champion, was tapped to wrestle in the prestigious event, but was sidelined by injury and chose not to participate.
Askren's win does not count toward his official record.
