Valley Sports ReportTULSA, Okla. — Tioga grad John Worthing, a redshirt sophomore at Clarion University, bounced back from a loss to two-time national champion Carter Starocci of Penn State with a major decision win in the first round of wrestlebacks for his second win of the day here Thursday at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
Worthing, the 33rd seed in the 174-pound bracket, opened his day with an 8-4 win over 32nd-seed Will Miller of Apalachin State, but then lost to unbeaten Starocci — the top seed — via fall in 1:21.
Worthing used three takedowns to forge a 12-1 major decision over 16th-seeded Sam Wolfe of Air Force in the first round of wrestlebacks.
After a scoreless first period, Worthing scored a quick escape, then added a takedown moments later for a 3-0 lead.
Wolf recorded an escape with 1:25 remaining in the period, but Worthing stuffed a takedown attempt by Wolf, and slipped behind for the takedown to up his advantage to 5-1. About 20 seconds later, Worthing turned Wolf for a five-count and four near-fall points to take a 9-1 lead into the final two minutes.
Worthing chose neutral to start the third, and sealed the win with a takedown midway through the period. He rode out the final 78 seconds, and the riding-time point finished off the 12-1 win.
Worthing, now 21-10, will face 15th-seeded Demetrius Romero of Utah Valley Friday afternoon in the second round of wrestlebacks. Romero dropped a 3-1 decision to second-seeded Mikey Labriola of Nebraska in the round-of-16.
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IN PHOTO: John Worthing. … PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARION UNIV. ATHLETICS.
