Davis, who arrived at Penn State as a curiosity from Harrisburg High School in 2003, became the school’s first national champion since 2000 by defeating Central Michigan senior Wynn Michalak 7-2 Saturday at Scottrade Center. AdvertisementThe victory ended a career where Davis developed into Penn State’s fourth four-time All-American and walked onto college wrestling’s only raised platform twice. Davis also ended Penn State’s five-bout NCAA finals losing streak. “This means a lot,” said Davis, the Nittany Lions’ first champion since 125-pounder Jeremy Hunter. “I don’t know yet. It’s probably going to mean a lot more to me the further away we get from this moment.” Davis’ performance represented the highlight of a tournament where Penn State produced four All-Americans and finished third in the team standings with 75 points. Iowa won the title with 117.5 points. Ohio State finished second with 79 points. Davis joined Oklahoma State’s Coleman Scott (Waynesburg) and Pitt’s Keith Gavin (Lackwanna Trail) as champions who attended Pennsylvania high schools.
“This was a team effort with the staff and the work ethic he put in to become a four-time All- American and national champ,” said Penn State coach Troy Sunderland, who nervously watched from a corner as assistants Dave Hart and Matt Dernlan sat matside. “He’s a big part of our success the last four years in dual meets, tournaments and the NCAA Tournament. I’m proud of everything he has done with our program. This is a big step for our program in 100 years of Penn State wrestling.” In a tournament filled with emotion, few scenes resembled the one after Davis’ victory. With five seconds remaining, Davis bounced out of a Wichalak single leg and raised his arms in triumph, clenched his arms and pointed his fingers toward the Penn State section. Davis then ripped off his white singlet, sprinted into the arena’s bowels where he dropped into a corner and covered his dripping face. The moment was a stark contrast to the one he experienced in 2006 when he lost to Oklahoma State’s Jake Rosholt 10-3 in the finals.
Davis’ emotions were so scattered that he entered his post-bout news conference without a shirt on. “Most times I know the score in my head,” said Davis, a three-time PIAA placewinner at Harrisburg High School. “This time I couldn’t figure out the score. It happened so fast and it just came together perfect.” Davis (26-1) ended his career with a convincing victory. He took the bout’s first three shots and scored his first points on a single-leg takedown 1:21 into the bout. Davis recorded a counter takedown to go ahead 4-2 in the second period. He started the third period on bottom and he needed 32 seconds to escape. He received another point when Michalak (30-2) received his second stall warning. Davis added the final point of his career on 1:44 of riding time.
The victory was the 116th at Penn State. He lost just 20 times and only once during his senior season. “I didn’t know what I expected,” Davis said. “But this is more than I could ask for.” Davis and Michalak entered the finals with gaudy resumes. Davis placed seventh in 2005 in the same building. Michalak finished sixth and defeated Davis in a consolation bout.
A year later, Davis wrestled in the finals while Michalak finished eighth. Michalak faltered and didn’t reach the podium last year, an event that served as motivation throughout this season. Davis placed fifth in Auburn Hills, Mich., and like Michalak, the setback never left his mind this season. How experienced were Davis and Michalak when they stepped on the mat at 10:49 p.m.? The duo wrestled a combined 290 official collegiate bouts. Before Saturday, they had wrestled at three separate events — the 2005 NCAA Championships, an open tournament the previous year and as high-school wrestlers at the senior national championships.
The duo led teams that finished in the Top 7 this weekend. Michalak, one of two three-time All-Americans in Central Michigan history, produced enough points to help the Chippewas finished tied for seventh. Davis will leave an indelible mark at Penn State. He spent his senior year leading a young team that recovered from a seventh-place showing at the Big Ten Tournament to record its best NCAA showing since 1994. Davis’ aggressive style and uncanny ability to work from all three positions engaged fans during the past four years. The fans repaid the favor to Davis by chanting his name throughout Saturday’s third period.
Thanks to Guy Cipriano and the "Centre Daily Times" (State College, Pa.) for the article