Junior wrestler claims second national title; Hawks third overall
Monday, March 19, 2012
Written by: Darren Miller
Image Gallery

Junior Matt McDonough's second career national title highlighted the University of Iowa wrestling team's third-place finish at the NCAA Championships March 15-17 in St. Louis.

McDonough prevailed with a 4-1 decision over Penn State's Nico Megaludis in the 125-pound NCAA finals. McDonough won the championship as a freshman in 2010 and finished runner-up last season.

Senior Montell Marion and sophomore Derek St. John each earned runner-up finishes after dropping a pair of decisions in the 141- and 157-pound finals.

Click the thumbnails to see Iowa's six All-Americans in action.

Gallery
Bobby Telford wrestles at the NCAA Championships.
Montell Marion wrestles at the NCAA Championships.
Tom Brands speaking in animated fashion to Montell Marion.
The referee raises Derek St. John's hand after a victory at the NCAA Championships.
Matt McDonough celebrates a victory at the NCAA Championships.
The referee raises Derek St. John's hand after a victory at the NCAA Championships.
133-pound wrestler Tony Ramos locks on to the leg of Virginia Tech's Devin Carter. Ramos defeated Carter, 8-3, to advance to the third-place match, which he won.
Montell Marion wrestles with Michigan's Kellen Russell.
Montell Marion wrestles with Michigan's Kellen Russell
Tony Ramos wrestles at the NCAA Championships
Tony Ramos celebrates a pinfall.
Ethen Lofthouse wrestles at the NCAA Championships.
Matt McDonough's parents, Sandi and Michael, rise to their feet as their son competes in the NCAA Championships.
Matt McDonough gains the upper hand against Penn State's Nico Megaludis during their 125-pound final.
Matt McDonough raising his arms in victory.
Derek St. John tangles with top-seeded Kyle Dake in the 157-pound final.
The Iowa Hawkeyes pose for a team photo after the tournament.