Fifth-ranked Nebraska wrestling opened its 2021 season with a 22-14 win over No. 17 Minnesota at the Devaney Center Friday night. The dual began and ended with top-20 matchups. Nebraska’s Liam Cronin, ranked 17th at 125 pounds, earned an 8-1 decision against No. 14 Patrick McKee to get things started. The Huskers would win five of the next eight matches to take control, before Minnesota’s top-ranked 285-pounder, Gable Steveson defeating No. 17 Christian Lance by major decision.
No. 7 Chad Red Jr. (141), Brock Hardy (149), No. 4 Mikey Labriola (174), Nathan Haas (184) and No. Eric Schultz (197) recorded wins for the Huskers. Check out all of the action in our gallery below.
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
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The Huskers and the Gophers grapple during their match at the Devaney Center in Lincoln Nebraska January 8th, 2021. Photo by Eric Francis
As part of a 25+ year career, Eric has covered Husker sports for magazines, newspapers and international wire services. He has been a regular contributor to Hail Varsity for the past few years and officially joined the team as a staff photographer in August 2016. Eric’s photos have appeared in Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine and nearly every major sports media in the country. Away from the action, Eric enjoys coaching and teaching young men how to compete and occasionally a nice lager around the fire pit with friends and family.
