184-pound Jimmy Sheptock wrestles during the Red vs. Black scrimmage on Oct. 27, 2013.
All of Jimmy Sheptock’s 32 matches this season have ended the same way — with the Terrapins 184-pound wrestler’s hand raised. In Oklahoma City, Okla., Sheptock need one last victory to close out his renowned career with an NCAA title.
But against Penn State’s two-time defending champion Ed Ruth, the top-seeded Sheptock was thoroughly overpowered and outmaneuvered by the second-seeded Ruth. The Terps captain failed to mount nearly any offense through the three rounds and lost, 7-2.
The Terps have crowned two individual national champions ever. But after Sheptock became the first Terp to earn the nation’s top ranking in early January, it appeared the senior might have an opportunity to make history on the sport’s final weekend.
From the onset, however, it was clear that Sheptock would have his hands full. Just seconds into the match, Ruth sprawled towards Sheptock and nabbed his leg out from under him, capturing the contest’s first takedown. And after Sheptock finally escaped Ruth’s grasp, the Penn State senior notched another takedown, closing the period with a 4-1 lead.
Sheptock didn’t fare much better in the next period. He started the period on bottom and was unable to escape. Ruth rode out the entire period.
It was more of the same in the final period. Ruth grabbed two points through an early reversal, giving him a 6-1 lead. But Ruth, likely with Penn State’s team score in mind, allowed Sheptock to escape in the hopes of earning more points. Sheptock was unable to mount any offense the rest of the way.
After defeating No. 13-seed Jack Dechow in the semifinals Friday, Sheptock appeared inferior to the four-time All-American on the grand stage.
The loss ended the Terps’ season. They entered the day in 19th place.
