On November 21, I had the privilege of shooting University of Minnesota wrestler Jayson Ness pin his way through the Auggie-Brute-Adidas Open at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn. Ness — the second-ranked wrestler in NCAA Division I and three-time All-American — had no problems with his Division II and III and NAIA opponents.
In the first round, Ness pinned unattached wrestler Mitch Spano (below) in just 40 seconds. Spano is a 2009 graduate of Woodbury High School (Woodbury, Minn.).
In the next round Ness faced then ninth-ranked Malik Stewart of Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) (NAIA). Stewart, who had pinned his opponent in the first round, fell to Ness at the 2:03 mark of the first period.
Up next for Ness was Augsburg wrestler Paul Bjorkstrand. Bjorkstrand — who was at one time ranked eighth in the country at DIII and is currently ranked tenth — made his return to the Augsburg lineup at the Auggie Open after taking a year off during the 2008-09 season.
In the finals match, Ness was faced Upper Iowa University’s Kyle Pedretti. Pedretti is the sixth-ranked wrestler in Division II and was the only wrestler at the Open to wrestle Ness into the second period. Ness earned his pin at the 4:07 mark.
Thanks for looking.
Hey Caleb, nice shots : )