Rittenburg overcomes 4-point deficit to win in 2 OT and advance at NCAAs

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Eph sophomore Dylan Rittenburg staged an impressive comeback in the third period to tie his elimination match with sixth-seeded Nick Sanchez of Heidelberg College at 11 and force overtime. Rittenburg battled back from a 10-6 deficit in the final period to extend the match.

The first overtime session of one minute was scoreless. In the second OT session Rittenburg got on top of Sanchez and rode him for the opening 30 second segment and asserted control over the bout.

The final 30 second segment that started off with Rittenburg on the bottom, but he executed an escape and recorded a reversal making the final score of the match 13-11.

"Dylan won because he was mentally tougher and in better shape," noted Eph co-head coach Dan DiCenzo. "Being in great shape, Dylan just wore Sanchez down physically and mentally."

Rittenburg is appearing in his first NCAA Championships and is in the wrestle back bracket. He has another match later this evening against eighth-seeded Travis Grawin of Luther College. The winner of this match will be assured of a top eight finish and earn All-America honors and continue on with a chance to finish as high as third in the 141 weight class.