AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Army 141-pounder Matt Kyler\’s season came to an end with a 4-1 loss to Max Meltzer of Harvard in the third consolation round of the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships Friday morning in the Palace at Auburn Hills.
The freshman from Clearfield escaped after an early takedown by Meltzer to make it 2-1 after the first period. Kyler deferred the second period choice to the Crimson senior, who chose the down position and escaped for a 3-1 lead. Kyler took the down position in the third period but couldn\’t break free as Metzler added a point for riding time.
Metzler was ranked 15th in the nation when he defeated Kyler 6-1 in overtime during the dual meet season. They did not meet in the EIWA Tournament. Metzler, the top seed, was upset in the first round but rebounded to claim third place. Kyler reached the finals before losing to Matt Ciasulli of Lehigh.
Metzler (24-5) followed up his win over Kyler with a 13-4 major decision over 12th seed Cassio Pero (24-9) of Illinois to keep alive his hopes for a medal.
Kyler received a first-round bye and then dropped a 5-2 decision to No. 4 seed Manuel Rivera of Minnesota in his first NCAA bout Thursday.
A 2005 PIAA champion at 103 pounds for Clearfield Area High School, Kyler completed his outstanding rookie season in the college ranks with a 31-12 record, six of the losses to wrestlers who were ranked at the time. He led the Army team in wins and major decisions (10), and six falls enabled him to share top honors in bonus point wins (16). He was 9-6 in duals.
Kyler started the season at 133 pounds and finished second in the Oklahoma Gold Classic at Brockport, N.Y., and the Body Bar Invitational at Cornell in November and placed fifth with a 6-1 record in the Nittany Lion Open in December.
He won the title at 141 in the Academy Championships hosted by Air Force in February.
(editor\’s note: P-O\’s James Yonushonis also saw his season, and career, end with a consolation loss).