Jones, McCrite lead push
<p>North Idaho College's Braden Mowry tries to roll JJ Lum from Simon Fraser University into position for a pin during the 141-pound match Friday. Mowry couldn't get the pin, but he won the match by major decision.</p>
<p>North Idaho College's Jamelle Jones pushes against Manvir Sahotau from Simon Fraser University during the 197-pound match that Jones won with a pin.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - As the momentum began to turn, the third-ranked North Idaho College wrestling team took it back in the latter stages of a 26-14 win over Simon Fraser University of Burnaby, British Columbia, on Friday at Christianson Gym.
After building a 11-0 lead on decisions from Kyle McCrite (125 pounds), Brock Banta (133) and Braden Mowry (141), Simon Fraser won bouts at 149, 157 and 165 to pull within 11-10.
"I thought we came out a little flat tonight," NIC coach Pat Whitcomb said. "Justin (Abdou) always has his team ready to go. Coming off a break, we'll take this one."
NIC took control of the dual at 197 pounds as Jamelle Jones pinned Manvir Sahotau near the end of the first period.
"Jamelle and Kyle really came out and set the tone tonight," Whitcomb said. "We'll take a big leap next week to end the regular season, but we're working hard to peak at nationals. But it's always good to get a win for the sophomores in the final home match."
Entering his bout, Jones was aware the score was close.
"I knew we were ahead 11-10 and had to get a pin," Jones said. "I focused on that and came out defensive."
Jones, who won a national title three years ago at Meramec Junior College, transferred to NIC after sitting out two years.
"I've been training by doing 500 to 700 pushups a day," Jones said. "We've been working hard to get prepared for the national tournament and going that extra step in the classroom and wrestling room."
McCrite, who was awarded the Michael Beck Memorial Scholarship before the dual, used a late escape to defeat Skylar Davis 5-4 at 125 pounds.
“That’s why he’s in there at 125 pounds,” Whitcomb said. “Kyle got us going tonight. He’s got a 3.75 GPA and ranked No. 1 in the nation. That’s who you want in there. It’s sad that we’ve only got him two years.”
NIC travels to the Northwest Duals on Friday in Powell, Wyo. The Region 18 tournament is Feb. 12 in Coos Bay, Ore., and the NJCAA tournament is Feb. 25-26 in Spokane.
125 — Kyle McCrite, NIC, d. Skylar Davis, 5-4. 133 — Brock Banta, NIC, md. Sukhan Chahal, 11-3. 141 — Braden Mowry, NIC, md. JJ Lum, 15-2. 149 — Alex Stemer, SFU, d. Troy Cunningham 2-0. 157 — Michael Cappus, SFU, d. McKray Jones, 7-5. 165 — Max Arcand, SFU, md. Jake Mason, 16-2. 174 — Jesse Nielsen, NIC, p. Arminder Wirk, 1:38. 184 — Clete Hanson, SFU, md. Justin Korthius, 12-1. 197 — Jamelle Jones, NIC, p. Manvir Sahotau, 1:55. 285 — Matt Foxworthy, NIC, d. Gurjot Kooner, 7-2.