Nick Purdue just needed a chance.
Chances are hard to come by as a 174-pound redshirt freshman behind Jacob Ison. Ison has been nationally ranked, a NCAA Tournament qualifier and is the team's active wins leader with 51.
But Ison hurt his knee against Appalachian State on Dec. 7. That gave Purdue his opportunity, and he's taken full advantage.
Purdue wrestled in the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 19 and placed fifth. His 6-2 record in the tournament earned him co-MAC Wrestler of the Week honors.
His success caught the two-time high school state champion off guard.
I was completely surprised
said Purdue, a Genoa, Ohio native. I didn't even know about it. My [high school] coach back home called me and was like 'Congratulations!' and I was like 'For what?'
174 pounds is obviously a strong weight class for his squad, Coach Joel Greenlee said. But when a team has a talented weight class, somebody is going to be left out when it comes time to compete.
Purdue is in a tough spot
Greenlee said. He's doing what we expect out of our guys.
It can be frustrating to be stuck behind someone when you know you have the ability to compete, Purdue said, but he knew that his chance could come at any time.
College wrestling has a lot of injuries
Purdue said. I try to stay ready.
Staying ready when you don't wrestle consistently in dual meets is tough, Purdue said. It's tough to stay sharp and get into a rhythm.
Purdue works as hard as he can to stay prepared by drilling at practice with redshirt junior Clay Tucker. On a team with no seniors or even a redshirt senior, Tucker is one of the veteran guys on the team.
There aren't many positive ways to look at an injury, Tucker said, except that another guy will get an opening to show what he can do.
It's always good when we have two really good wrestlers in one weight class
Tucker said. When something like this does happen
we have someone good who can step in and fill those shoes. Purdue is doing a hell of a job right now.
Since Purdue has been inserted in the starting lineup, his work ethic hasn't changed at all, Tucker added. They always worked hard together in practice and it shows. Tucker and Purdue are leading the team with 13 wins each.
Purdue's confidence is seeing a boost as a result.
When you're talking to him
he's more psyched up about wrestling
Tucker said.
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