PHILADELPHIA, Pa. ? Top-seeded and undefeated Jon Reader became the 50th Iowa State wrestler to win an NCAA individual title Saturday, dominating Stanford?s seventh-seeded Nick Amuchastegui, 10-3 in the 174-pound national title match in the Wells Fargo Arena. Reader finished the season 39-0 and ended his career with a record of 124-23. He is now a three-time All-American, earning seventh-place honors in 2008 and fourth-place honors in 2009.*"It's great when you get on top of the podium," Reader said. "This year I spent a lot of time with coach (Kevin) Jackson and the Paulsons (Trent and Travis). They sharpened my skills. You live a lifestyle in this sport, and I have two great training partners, members of World Teams. I look to coach Jackson, coach (Eric) Voelker and coach (Yero) Washington and these guys made the difference. I am blessed to have*them in my corner.



*

Iowa State finished in 20th place with 31.5 points. Penn State won the NCAA team crown with 107.5 points.

Jackson had high praise for Reader.

*

"Every day, this veteran was in our wrestling*room showing our young guys*what it takes as a man to win a national title," Jackson said. "He demonstrated to those guys*how to train, study and act outside of the wrestling room.* This is great for our program."*

*

Reader slid past Amuchastegui and worked up off of a low single to get a takedown in the first period. He then sat back for a quick two count to take a 4-0 lead halfway through the first period. Reader then used the same sit back move for another two to take a commanding 6-0 lead. Amuchastegui earned a late escape to make it 6-1 heading into the second period.

*

Reader escaped halfway through the second period to push his lead to six points. Amuchastegui chose bottom to start the third and escaped after*15 seconds. Reader fended off an Amuchastegui takedown attempt and spun around for a takedown of his own to push the score to 9-2. Amuchastegui scored a late escape, but had no chance, as Reader?s riding time advantage made the final score 10-3.

*

The match was stopped several times because Reader had cuts on his face.

*

"I don't like to give guys*breaks," Reader said. "I wanted to be in his face. Coach Jackson and coach Paulson kept me relaxed."


A native of Davison, Mich., Reader will be staying in Ames.

*

"I will be in the Cyclone Wrestling Club under the mentorship of coach Jackson," Reader said. "I will also be finishing my degree."

*

Fifty Iowa State wrestlers have won a total of 69 NCAA individual titles since the first NCAA Championship was held in Ames in 1928.


*