Story Links
Jan. 30, 2004
By: Patrick Schuermann
Virginia wrestling Coach Lenny Bernstein knew he had something special in Penn State transfer Scott Moore. Moore transferred to Virginia after a standout 2002-2003 season with a record of 54 wins and 9 defeats. His 54 wins set a Penn State record, and are second most in NCAA history for victories in a single season. Scott’s record proved to be his ticket to his third NCAA Tournament appearance. Coach Bernstein reflects on his undefeated wrestler, “As you know, Scott placed 4th in the USA last year so I was well aware of his potential to be vying for a national title this season.” Scott has a perfect 32-0 record this year in the 141-pound weight class, and has been named ACC Wrestler of the Week three times this season.
He squares off Monday February 2nd against 141pound Tyon Ware in the 38th Annual National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All Star Classic (from the UNI Dome at the University of Northern Iowa). Ware, a sophomore from Oklahoma University, is undefeated this season and the defending 141 pound NCAA Champion. He defeated Dylan Long of Northern Iowa in the 2003 NCAA Tournament to claim the title. Ware was also highly touted heading into OU. While attending Edmond North High School he compiled a perfect 132-0 record, was a four-time Oklahoma state champion, and three-time national champion.
The story of any nationally ranked athlete starts long before public recognition. Off-season training and conditioning as well as a strong will are all essential components for victory in any sport. Moore credits his success to his determination and work ethic.
“Getting to this level has been a constant grind of hard work and dedication, and in believing that I could do it. At this point in the season, I feel I have proven that I am a legitimate contender for the national title.”
Scott’s upcoming match against Ware will put his grueling training to the ultimate test. While the match is sure to be close, Moore is confident in his ability to dethrone the current champion Ware.
“I think my advantages include my ability to pin, scramble and my all out aggressiveness. The idea that I have nothing to lose against Ware helps as well, because he is the returning National Champ and #1 ranked wrestler.”
Scott found a smooth transition into The University of Virginia’s Curry School and its wrestling program. “I get along well with the coaches and wrestlers, making it easy for me to fit right in. The Curry School has a great program, also making the transition easier, and allowing me to focus on the two most important things – wrestling and an education.”
Coach Bernstein sees Scott and Virginia wrestling as perfect fits for one other.”I believe that since the coaching staff and surroundings were so different, he felt re-energized.”
Scott’s winning work ethic is rubbing off on his teammates. Bernstein has nothing but the highest praises for his undefeated pupil. “It has really helped some of the wrestlers around his weight class and quite likely, will have an impact in the years to come. All four of the All-Americans I have coached have had an impact on the rest of the team because of their work ethic, attitude and intensity.”
If Scott does defeat Ware, do not count on him taking a break. “My celebration will be very short lived, possibly a little fist pump or what ever my adrenaline leads me to do right after the match. Besides that I might take a day off, and then get right back on schedule, which is training to be a national champion.”
When Scott Moore and Tyon Ware hit the mat on February 2nd at the University of Northern Iowa it will be nothing short of a battle. There is not much more a sports fan can ask for than seeing two undefeated athletes, ranked number one and number two in the nation, put it all on the line.