Most people can't stand it if their flights are delayed an hour. Ursinus Wrestling captain and senior standout Alex Blank has been waiting four years for his chance to fly out to the Division III NCAA tournament. He placed in the top three finishers at his weight class at the Centennial Conference tournament three years in a row, including two finals appearances. Unfortunately, only the champion at each weight earns the right to wrestle for All-American status and a national title.
At long last, in his senior year, Blank captured the title he'd been seeking so long. Entering the tournament as the fourth-seeded wrestler at the 133lb. weight class after a regular season in which he'd posted a 23-9 record - including a 6-2 mark in Conference bouts - Blank began his run to a championship with a 3-2 win over Stevens Institute of Technology's Andrew Boehm. He followed that with another 3-2 decision, this time in triple overtime, against first-seeded Sam Campbell of Washington and Lee. In the finals, he avenged a loss from earlier in the season and defeated McDaniel's Mike Tancredi 5-2 to win the title he'd worked so hard and so long to earn.
"To be denied for so long and for those defeats in the past Conference finals, it just made that win so much sweeter in my mind. I had everything pay off for everything I've ever worked for," Blank said of his win.
So for the past week and a half, Blank has been preparing for the NCAA tournament as the sole representative for Ursinus College's nationally-ranked wrestling team. On Wednesday, Blank, along with Head Coach Bill Racich and volunteer coach Pat Curry, traveled out to La Crosse, Wisconsin to get acclimated and enter the last stage of preparation for the tournament.
Those familiar with Blank's fitness level know there's not much left to do to get him ready. "Blank's always in great shape, so now it's just about keeping him healthy and keeping his weight where it should be," commented Curry. Upon arriving at the La Crosse Center, Blank warmed up and drilled for about thirty minutes, then stretched. He'll only need to maintain that level of work tomorrow, and rest up for the tournament, which starts Friday.
This is great stuff! Connor, you are the best!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you Alex! We at ALL cheering for you in Horseheads NY. We are so PROUD and excited to have such a find young man representing UC and our team. Stay strong, focus; get angry on the mat. Take no prisoners!