For Immediate Release: March 18, 2004
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

Ruff wins twice in wrestebacks to stay alive at NCAA Championship

NCAA 141-pound Bracket

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Junior 141-pound Josh Ruff (Bainbridge, N.Y.) shook off an 8-6 first-round loss and won twice Thursday night to remain alive at the NCAA Wrestling Championship.

After battling fifth-seeded and two-time All-American Cliff Moore of Iowa to the closing whistle in his opening match, Ruff flexed his muscle in the consolation bracket. For the second straight year, he recorded a pin at the national tournament. Ruff needed just 4:26 to end his match with Michael Keefe of Tennessee-Chattanooga. He then scored a 14-4 major decision over Alex Hernandez of North Carolina State.

Ruff (27-6) will now face Steve Esparza from Cal Poly Friday morning in the third round of wrestlebacks. He would need to win three more matches to earn All-America honors (top-8 finish).

Currently, Binghamton is in a tie for 44th place in the team standings.