NU wrestling's Wofford, Jones battle for starting spot
Dana Marie Ahrens
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Sports
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Two wrestlers. One spot.
Such is life on the Nebraska wrestling team, particularly in the 184-pound weight class.
At that position, two wrestlers with histories of success will battle each other in hopes of holding the starting nod this weekend. Levi Wofford and Vince Jones, a sophomore and junior, respectively, have been starters for the Huskers at 184 pounds in their collegiate careers.
Nebraska Assistant Coach Tony Ersland said the team has depth at 184 pounds. Even better, both wrestlers compete using completely different styles.
"We have two kids at 184 pounds with a lot of potential and good talent," Ersland said. "Vince is a real flexible, unorthodox, kind of funky wrestler, and Levi is kind of a grinder, more traditional wrestler. We hope whoever wins the wrestle-off (today) is going to be a strong candidate to do well nationally."
Wofford was a two-time Nebraska State Champion and placed during his other two years in high school. He wrestled in the starting spot last season for the Huskers, finishing the season at the Big 12 Conference Championships with a record of 13-17. For him to improve those numbers this year, Wofford said he really needs to train more.
"I just have to work hard and go for it," Wofford said. "I will do what I can in the wrestling room and keep my weight down."
Jones wrestled in the starting spot for Nebraska two seasons ago as a freshman. He finished the Big 12 Championships in fourth place, winning a bid to the NCAA Championships. He went to the national tournament with a record of 2-2 in 2006 and a season record of 23-13. After sitting out his sophomore season, Jones returns this season hoping to surpass his freshman year. Ersland said it is a real possibility.
"I think Vince has really come around and his attitude is right," Ersland said. "Once he gets his weight under control, he certainly has the talent to do well."
The team will open competition at home when it hosts Lehigh in a dual Friday night at the NU Coliseum.
On Saturday, the entire team will travel to Omaha to compete in the Kaufman-Brand Open, the largest single-day collegiate meet in the nation.
For Jones, this weekend will be the next step in his hopeful return to the NCAA Championships.
"It helps that I already know I can hang at the top of the crop," Jones said.
DANAAHRENS@DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM
Such is life on the Nebraska wrestling team, particularly in the 184-pound weight class.
At that position, two wrestlers with histories of success will battle each other in hopes of holding the starting nod this weekend. Levi Wofford and Vince Jones, a sophomore and junior, respectively, have been starters for the Huskers at 184 pounds in their collegiate careers.
Nebraska Assistant Coach Tony Ersland said the team has depth at 184 pounds. Even better, both wrestlers compete using completely different styles.
"We have two kids at 184 pounds with a lot of potential and good talent," Ersland said. "Vince is a real flexible, unorthodox, kind of funky wrestler, and Levi is kind of a grinder, more traditional wrestler. We hope whoever wins the wrestle-off (today) is going to be a strong candidate to do well nationally."
Wofford was a two-time Nebraska State Champion and placed during his other two years in high school. He wrestled in the starting spot last season for the Huskers, finishing the season at the Big 12 Conference Championships with a record of 13-17. For him to improve those numbers this year, Wofford said he really needs to train more.
"I just have to work hard and go for it," Wofford said. "I will do what I can in the wrestling room and keep my weight down."
Jones wrestled in the starting spot for Nebraska two seasons ago as a freshman. He finished the Big 12 Championships in fourth place, winning a bid to the NCAA Championships. He went to the national tournament with a record of 2-2 in 2006 and a season record of 23-13. After sitting out his sophomore season, Jones returns this season hoping to surpass his freshman year. Ersland said it is a real possibility.
"I think Vince has really come around and his attitude is right," Ersland said. "Once he gets his weight under control, he certainly has the talent to do well."
The team will open competition at home when it hosts Lehigh in a dual Friday night at the NU Coliseum.
On Saturday, the entire team will travel to Omaha to compete in the Kaufman-Brand Open, the largest single-day collegiate meet in the nation.
For Jones, this weekend will be the next step in his hopeful return to the NCAA Championships.
"It helps that I already know I can hang at the top of the crop," Jones said.
DANAAHRENS@DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM
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