Desi Green and Kevin Smith in the National Rankings
11/17/2009 12:00:00β―AM | Wrestling
BUFFALO, NY - In the latest USA Today/InterMat/NWCA Division I National Individual Rankings released on Tuesday, University at Buffalo sophomore Desi Green moves up to the 15th spot at 149 pounds as fellow sophomore Kevin Smith has earned the 20th spot at 133 pounds. This marks the first time in Smith's career that he has garnered such national recognition.
Green has rattled off seven straight victories to hold a flawless overall record of 7-0 and 2-0 dual record to start the season. At the UB Open, Green captured the individual crown at 149 by posting five victories including two decisions, two technical falls and a fall.
In the Bulls' 16-16 draw with Hofstra, Green defeated 20th nationally-ranked Justin Accordino in the opening match of the day. On the bottom, Green escaped from Accordino's grip for a 3-2 lead. The sophomore was able to hold on for the decision to give the Bulls the lead to start the match.
As a Bull, Green has amassed an impresive overall record of 47-9 and a near-perfect dual record of 21-1 with his lone defeat at the National Duals to Trevor Kittleson of Northern Iowa. Last season, Green became the all-time UB record holder for most takedowns in a single season (71). He earned second-team All-MAC honors and his first bid as a national qualifier in the 149-pound weight class.
This season, Smith has compiled an overall record of 6-1 and a perfect 2-0 dual meet record. Four of his six victories have come in the form of a major decision, a technical fall and two falls. The sophomore also currently leads the Bulls in takedowns (14).
To start the season, Smith defeated 14th nationally-ranked Jimmy Conroy of Pittsburgh in the semifinals of the UB Open. The sophomore finished in second place at the UB Open for the second time in consecutive years.
Smith played a significant role in the Bulls' rally to tie No. 25 Hofstra. Down 16-9 with only two matches left at 133 and 141, Smith provided the Bulls with another dominating performance. The sophomore took Hofstra's Jeff Rotella to the mat 12 times as his final takedown with four seconds remaining, earned him a 27-12 technical fall to pull the Bulls within three points of Hofstra.
The Bulls return to action on Saturday, November 21 as they travel to Cornell University to compete in the Body Bar Invitational at 9:00 am. The field of teams competing on Saturday include three nationally-ranked teams; No. 4 Cornell, No. 10 Maryland and No. 20 Kent State. Other teams to compete include Army, Binghamton, Clarion, Columbia, Drexel, Sacred Heart and Wyoming.
