"Bulls Fall Short of 'Gold,' Finish Fifth"

The UB wrestling team kicked off its 2003-04 season against what may prove to be the team's toughest competition this season.

Buffalo faced off against a number of national powerhouses and came home with a fifth place finish from the Oklahoma Gold Classic, in Brockport, N.Y. this past Saturday.

"This is a really solid tournament to start the season," said junior Mike Sebaaly. "It's good to face national powers like Oklahoma from the Big 12 and Ohio State from the Big 10."

Oklahoma won the team title with 178.5 points, followed by Ohio State (143.0), Army (121.0), Cleveland State (111.5), Buffalo (102.5), Rutgers (96.5), Brockport (84.5), Bloomsburg (81.0) and Wagner (2.0).

Both Oklahoma and Ohio State entered the tournament boasting a nationally ranked wrestling program. According to the National Wrestling Coaches Association's Preseason Poll, Oklahoma was ranked 15th and Ohio State was ranked 14th.

Junior Kyle Cerminara dominated the 197-pound weight class for the Bulls, bringing home the lone individual victory for the UB.

En route to his first place finish, Cerminara scored a 9-3 win over Oklahoma's Joel Tapler. He followed with a 6-3 win over Bloomsburg's Chad Hoare and a 2-1 decision to defeat Rob Cuffie of Brockport in the final.

Also having a productive day on the mat for Buffalo were newcomers Mark McKnight and Ed Pawlak, who each finished third in their respective weight classes.

"As a team, we looked pretty tough," said McKnight. "I think we know where we stand and what we have to improve on."

Pal Lloyd, another freshman, echoed McKnight's sentiments.

"We all have room to improve, but the end of the season is really what matters," Lloyd commented. "We just have to keep working hard and making improvements."

In his collegiate debut, McKnight was eliminated in the semifinal round of competition after a 13-5 major decision loss to Oklahoma's Mimi Miller in the 125-pound weight class.

McKnight then went on to take the third-place match after scoring a 6-1 victory over Jermaine Jones of Ohio State.

"I thought I was solid," said McKnight. "I didn't wrestle well in one match, but overall I was pleased with my third place finish."

Pawlak, a transfer wrestling in his first match as a Bull fell in the 174-pound semifinal to Andy Roy of Rutgers by a score of 7-2. Pawlak managed to rebound in the third place match however, with a 3-1 decision over Alex Picaro of Ohio State.

Rounding out the rest of the Bulls' lineup, Cliff Smith defeated teammate Brian Sebaaly in the 133-pound weight class to take fourth place, with Sebaaly finishing fifth.

Dave Edwards and Garret Hicks also garnered fifth place finishes at 157 pounds and 184 pounds.

Harold Sherrell and Greg Thomas both finished sixth in their respective weight classes, 184 pounds and the heavyweight division.