Wrestling Notebook: Parks rallies to remain undefeated

Jamal Parks still has yet to lose a match this year. With a 26-0 record, Parks wrestled against Minnesota freshman Dylan Ness.

In the opening minutes, Parks streak appeared to be in serious jeopardy. Ness took an early five-point lead, and was up 6-3 as the first period ended.

Oklahoma State coach John Smith said the situation Parks was in is what his wrestlers practice.

"We talk about being down 5-0," Smith said. "You can come back (and) come from behind. He never gave in, and never hit the panic button."

Parks responded in the second period and led 8-7 as the second period came to a close. Ness only point in the third period was on an escape, and Parks finished with an 11-8 victory.

"He had one of the best matches I've seen this weekend," said Smith.

Hello, world

The debut of Austin Marsden was unexpected, even unpredictable.

Marsden, a freshman at heavyweight, was expected to redshirt this season before Sunday.

Junior Alan Gelogaev, OSU's starter at heavyweight, was undefeated this season. But Gelogaev's was injured at Oklahoma on Thursday and is out for the rest of the season.

With Gelogaev's absence, OSU coaches were forced to make a decision about who would replace him.

They chose Marsden, and he didn't disappoint in his first collegiate match.

The Cowboys led by one entering Marsden's match, the final match of the dual. The outcome of the match was on the freshman's shoulders.

Marsden had a takedown with 20 seconds remaining to defeat Walker 3-2 and to give OSU the win in his first collegiate match.

The freshman had an opportunity to win the match against Minnesota in the finals as well, but No. 4 Tony Nelson was too much for the freshman. Nelson won the match 8-1 to give Minnesota an 18-13 victory.

Oliver sees room for improvement

Illinois' B.J. Futrell came close to defeating Jordan Oliver when the wrestlers met on Nov. 21, only losing 8-7.

Oliver wasn't having any of that on Sunday.

The defending national champion at 133 pounds dominated Futrell, winning with a 15-1 major decision.

Oliver followed his win against Futrell with another major decision win against Minnesota's Chris Dardanes, 11-3.

He led Dardanes 4-1 after the first period, and he used his legs in the second period to keep the freshman in a lock and came close to having a takedown. He added another point in the third period.

Despite another dominating day, Oliver said he was not pleased with how the match ended.

"I still have a lot to work on," Oliver said. "The thing I wasn't too pleased with is finishing strong through the third periods. There's room for improvement."

Coach Smith agreed with his All-American.

"I believe the best of Jordan for this year is still yet to come," Smith said.

Quote of the weekend:

"I like this event. It brings wrestling to these towns that don't get to see all these schools regularly. It builds interest and it's good for the sport."

OSU coach John Smith