Lewan Defeats Virginia Tech's No. 4 Andonian in NWCA All-Star Classic
11/22/2022 9:05:00 PM | Wrestling
AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Michigan fifth-year senior Will Lewan earned a 3-1 decision in his 157-pound match over Virginia Tech's Bryce Andonian at the National Wrestling Coaches Association's All-Star Classic on Tuesday night (Nov. 22) at FloWrestling's new event facility.
Lewan made a first-period double leg hold up in the victory, timing his shot and finishing late to ride out the final 15 seconds of the frame. The wrestlers traded escapes in the second and third as well as a couple flurries. Lewan held position and stayed offensive, nearly finishing on a single-leg shot on the edge in the third, to close out the bout.
It was the first collegiate meeting between Lewan and Andonian, who was an All-American last season after placing third at 149 pounds. Andonian is ranked fourth in the latest FloWrestling rankings, while Lewan is ranked second.
The Wolverine captain is 3-0 on the season -- tonight's match was an exhibition and will not count toward the wrestlers' season record -- and is a two-time All-American. He placed fifth last season at 157 pounds and earned NWCA Second Team All-American honors as a redshirt freshman after COVID-19 canceled the NCAA Championships in 2020.
Lewan is the 41st Michigan wrestler to earn a NWCA All-Star selection and eighth over the last four events. This season's All-Star Classic resumed the event after a four-year hiatus. Lewan earned U-M its 17th win at the annual event and its first at 157 pounds. The only other Wolverine appearance at the weight was Ryan Bertin's 11-7 loss to Jake Percival of Ohio in 2005; Bertin went on to capture his second NCAA title at the weight later that season.
Lewan and Michigan (3-0) will return to action at the annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, slated for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. PST each day.
Players Mentioned
