Former Bergen Catholic High School star Nick Suriano lost the first bout of his college career to Thomas Gilman, the No. 1-ranked 125-pounder in the country from Iowa on Friday night.
Here are words that haven't been used together in at least four years: Nick Suriano lost.
Suriano, the second, four-time undefeated wrestler in New Jersey history and now the nationally ranked 125-pounder for No. 2 Penn State , had his 11-bout win streak ended on Friday night by returning national runner-up Thomas Gilman, 3-2, in Iowa City. Suriano is a Bergen Catholic graduate.
Gilman, now 18-0, scored the decisive point early in the third period off an escape. Gilman successfully fended off three weak, shallow, leg attacks from distance by Suriano -- ranked No. 3 nationally -- to preserve the victory.
Penn State won the match, however, earning a dominating 26-11 win over No. 4 Iowa.
Suriano, who had only been taken down once in his 11 collegiate bouts, surrendered an early takedown to Gilman. Gilman connected on an outside single, went to a high single and dropped Suriano to the mat for two points. Suriano quickly escaped and then added another neutral in the second period to tie the score, 2-2.
But with Gilman down in the third period, the Iowa veteran got to his feet and escape early in the final session. Suriano pressed the attack as the third period, but could not get deep enough to convert any takedown attempt.
Suriano had already defeated three wrestlers ranked among the top five in the country. Suriano has a victory over Stanford’s Connor Schram, who was ranked No. 4 in the country at the time. Suriano also has victories over No. 5 Tim Lambert of Nebraska and No. 6 Tim Lizak of Minnesota.
Gilman avoided becoming Suriano's fourth nationally ranked victim. The two are likely to meet again at the Big Ten Tournament later this season.
Gilman lost in the national final last season at Madison Square Garden to Penn State's Nico Megaludis. Megaludis had three victories over Gilman in his career and has been mentoring Suriano since his arrival at Penn Sate.
Joe Zedalis may be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @josephzedalis. Like NJ.com HS sports on Facebook.