Mark Budd Falls in Wrestlebacks at NCAA Championships
Story courtesy of Buffalo Athletic Communications
2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships Bracket
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Mark Budd’s (Orrville, OH/Orrville) journey into the All-American round came to an abrupt end Friday morning, as he was pinned by Harvard’s Rob Preston at 6:50 in the second consolation bracket at the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships. The University at Buffalo senior was down 3-0 in the third period, when Preston turned him and caught him with the fall.
Having never faced Preston in his collegiate career, both competitors went into collar ties for a majority of the opening period. It was not until the closing seconds of the first when Budd attempted a shot at the legs for the two-point takedown as time expired.
Preston would be the first to get on the scoreboard, earning a penalty point as the official called Budd for illegally interlocking hands. Still at the neutral level, Preston shot behind Budd and was able to hang on to the waist, scoring the takedown and building the lead to 3-0.
With a moderate lead, Preston put on extra riding time as Budd elected the down position to start the third period. After a few tilt attempts, Preston caught Budd with a turn that enabled him to pick up the pinfall with 50 seconds remaining, thus ending the match and Budd’s hopes of advancing in the wrestle-backs and a chance to attain All-American status.
Budd completes his senior campaign with a 36-6 overall record, the sixth-best win total in Buffalo lore. He ends his stellar UB wrestling career with a 104-37 overall record. His win total is third-best in school history, while his .738 career winning percentage is 11th best.
