CLEVELAND, Ohio - Calling
Shane Ruhnke an NCAA Division II Champion doesn't do justice to his dominance. Winning the tournament's awards for Most Outstanding Wrestler and Most Dominant Wrestler of the Year helps. On Saturday, Ruhnke pinned his way to the finals and won Millersville's first wrestling national title since 1980 by overwhelming his opponent in a championship match that was stopped short because of stalling violations.
Over the two days of the championships, Ruhnke was simply unstoppable in the 165-pound weight class. It was no more evident than in the championship bout against Rodney Shepard of UNC Pembroke. Ruhnke's relentless attack forced the official to call Shepard for fleeing the mat and stalling five separate times. Ruhnke officially won by disqualification but led 9-2 when the match was stopped in the second period.
"It is indescribable," said Ruhnke of the national championship win. "I am really thankful for everyone who worked with me; my teammates and my coach pushing me, always expecting more from me and never being satisfied."
Ruhnke scored his first takedown when Shepard bluffed a shot and Ruhnke countered with his own. A stall warning gave way to a point for Ruhnke as he rode Shepard at the edge of the mat. Ruhnke led 4-0 when Shepard tied up Ruhnke's legs, but Ruhnke easily escaped and then started the second period with an escape from the down position, needing only seconds to do so. Shepard was eventually called for stalling twice more and the match was stopped. The finish, however, was a bit bittersweet for the ultra-competitive Ruhnke.
"I had it pictured differently in my head," said Ruhnke. "I wanted to show how hard I worked, get into situations and show off my wrestling skills. I didn't get to do that with the backing off the mat."
"Shane did a great job keeping his cool," said Millersville head coach
Kerry Regner. "That is tough to make a game plan when things aren't going well and against the rules. Shane did a great job wrestling and keeping with his game plan."
Ruhnke was voted the Most Outstanding Wrestler by the tournament's coaches, and with most points earned, was named Most Dominant Wrestler.
"Winning those awards are surreal," said Ruhnke. "I really didn't expect it. I was in the shower. Everyone said I would win but I didn't think I would. It was a dream I had--a far-away goal after last year. Hard work pays it off."
"Shane won his national championship in the summer when he decided to work on the small things and get into the wrestling room although he was working long hours in a foundry," said Regner. "Hot days and ridiculous temperatures--that is when Shane won--not now, not in practice. He won in the summer."
Ruhnke improved upon last season's sixth-place finish and became the first Millersville national champ since Don Wagner won the Division III heavyweight crown 39 years ago. Ruhnke is also Millersville's first two-time All-American since Wagner in 1980-81. Ruhnke was joined on the podium Saturday by his classmate, 197-pound
Colton Dull, who scored a pin in the fifth-place match for his first All-America honor. Ruhnke and Dull give the Marauders two All-Americans in the same season for the first time since 1980.
"Getting a national champion for the program means a lot," said Regner. "I am so happy for Shane and so happy for the program. We have a storied tradition, and I am blessed to be able to support and help these guys through hard times and wrestle, which is what they love to do."
Ruhnke advanced to the finals with a first period pin (2:52) of Devin Austin of Pitt-Johnston in the semifinals. Ruhnke led 3-0 late in the first period. On a restart, Ruhnke chose the down position and quickly flipped Austin and scored his third pin of the championships.
Dull, too, started his day in the championship semifinals. There, Tiffin's Nicholas Mason—the eventual national champion--opened with a 2-0 lead on a takedown and turned it into a pin at the 2:39 mark.
Dull dropped into the consolation finals against eventual third-place winner Nick Baumler of Upper Iowa. The pair battled to a scoreless first period and both wrestlers earned escapes in the second and third. With the score 1-1 in the third, Baumler spun on Dull and got him to the mat for the match's lone takedown. It was enough to send Baumler to the third-place match.
Dull ended his championships on a high note, though. Against Maryville's Ethan Sherertz, Dull secured fifth place with a pin at 4:38.
"Having two All-American is wonderful," said Regner. "I am so happy for Colton. I always knew he had the talent and ability to get on the podium. Both of these guys leave Millersville with their hand raised high so they will be forever a storied part of Millersville University wrestling. What a great honor for me to be a part of it and I am happy that they could show the world what they are capable of and do it in a Millersville singlet to honor their team, families, school and community. It's great stuff."
Ruhnke finished his season 27-3 and won 99 career matches, ranking him seventh in program history. Ruhnke won Millersville's seventh national championship, joining a group of five others. Fran Presley won two Division III titles. Dull capped his senior season with a 17-8 record.
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