COLLEGE WRESTLING: TIOGA GRAD WORTHING RECORDS FIRST TWO WINS FOR CLARION (2021-01-17)

Valley Sports Report
CLARION, Pa. - Tioga grad John Worthing, a redshirt freshman on the Clarion University wrestling team, earned his first two varsity wins in Mid-American Conference wrestling action.

On Saturday, Worthing went 1-1 against Rider in extra matches.

In his first bout, Worthing led 17-7 when Rider's Michael Wilson reversed him to his back for a fall at 6:36 in their 165-pound bout.

Worthing, who posted a 14-6 record last year wrestling unattached at 149 and 157 pounds, scored three takedowns, and four near-fall points after the final takedown and led 1o-3 after the first three minutes.

Ahead 13-7, Worthing scored a TD and two near-fall points midway through the third period to extend his advantage to 10 points before Wilson's stunning reversal and pin.

In his second bout, Worthing bounced back for a 3-1 decision over Corey Connolly in a 174-pound bout.

Worthing scored a takedown late in the first period, and an escape early in the second period for a 3–0 lead. Connolly registered his escape early in the third period.

On Jan. 9, Worthing went 1-1 in extra matches - both at 165 pounds - against Navy.

In his first bout, Worthing scored a pair of takedowns in the first period and built a 4-1 lead, but Hague countered with an escape and a takedown in the second period to tie the bout at 4-4.

Worthing was hit with a penalty point later in the second period, but recorded an escape to tie the bout at 5-5 heading into the final two minutes.

Worthing started on bottom in the third period and escaped to take a 6-5 lead. Hague scored a takedown, but Worthing countered with a reversal for the 8-7 win.

Worthing's second bout was a 12-3 setback at the hands of Navy's starting 165-pounder Tanner Skidgel, who is ranked 9th in the nation.

Skidgel scored a pair of takedowns, and turned Worthing once to take a 6-1 lead after the first three minutes.

Worthing was dinged twice for stalling in the second period, and trailed 9-1 heading into the third period. He recorded a pair of escapes in the final two minutes, while Skidgel had a takedown, and was awarded a riding point to provide the final margin.

Clarion, now 0-2, returns to action Saturday when it hosts SIU-Edwardsville, Central Michigan, and Kent State in a quad match.

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IN PHOTO: John Worthing.