Jesse Milks gets up after another thrilling win over Loras' Erik Hanson

UW-Platteville's Jesse Milks didn't need the last second to defeat Loras' Erik Hanson, as he did Feb. 1. This time, he got the deciding takedown with five seconds to spare.

The fourth-seeded Milks clinched NCAA III All-American status with a thrilling 5-4 decision over the fifth-seeded Hanson Friday at the 157-pound weight at the national championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

"It's been my goal all year," the sophomore Milks said of his honor.

To reach his goal, Milks had to defeat Hanson for the fourth time this season. He beat him 4-2 on Nov. 17, 4-1 on Dec. 8 and then 6-5 in the Pioneers' dual meet victory Feb. 1.

"To beat the same guy, and one of his caliber, four times, is extremely tough," Pioneer Coach Chris Walter said, "especially with how well-coached he is by Randy Steward."

As in their previous meetings, Hanson tied Milks up around the head and shoulders and kept him on his feet for most of the first two periods. Late in the match, a well-conditioned Milks was able to take a few more shots. With five seconds remaining, he stuck one of his favorite moves, sliding underneath Hanson's overhook and pulling him over, chest to chest.

"It's a slideby; that's the move I hit the most," said Milks. "A lot of guys know I'll hit it, but I didn't all match. It was there at the end, I guess."

Ryan Higgins battled the #1 wrestler

The victory clinched the all-American honors for Milks, who was wrestling at nationals for the second time. He credited his conditioning for being able to wrestle hard for the full seven minutes. His coach also credited his concentration.

"The biggest thing for Jesse was his mental approach coming in, how focused he was after coming so close last year," Walter said. "He stayed focused all season."

Milks, who beat Delaware Valley's Ryan Herwig 9-4 in the opening round drews the top seed in Saturday's semifinals and lost 8-3 to Wartburg's Aaron Wernimont, who went on to win the national championship. Milks eventually finished sixth.

The Pioneers' Ryan Higgins had the unfortunate task of drawing the nation's top-ranked wrestler in the 149-pound weight class right off the bat. Higgins, making his third straight trip to nationals, lost to Wartburg's Jacob Naig 9-2 and then fell 6-2 to Buena Vista's Aaron Cook, seeded eighth.

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