CLEVELAND – His tender ribs had held up against every wrestler he ran into over three days, so Eric Siebert figured he'd push his luck and wade into the stands at Cleveland State's Convocation Center.

CLEVELAND – It's not the route he wanted to take, but Eric Siebert made it to today's NCAA wrestling finals in good shape.

CLEVELAND – Illinois senior Eric Siebert, who had to withdraw from the Big Ten Wrestling Championships with a dislocated rib, likes the location he finds himself in today.

CHAMPAIGN – One of Eric Siebert's theories will be tested this weekend in the NCAA wrestling championships in Cleveland.

"I've always felt mental health was the key to success in athletics," the University of Illinois senior said. "I think we're all relaxed, refreshed and mentally healthy for this meet."

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Jevon Herman will get another shot at a Big Ten Conference wrestling title today. A shot to the ribs has denied University of Illinois teammate Eric Siebert the same opportunity.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – It was the shot heard 'round the collegiate wrestling world.

Jevon Herman, ranked fifth in the nation at 177 pounds, had knocked off No. 1 Mitch Clark of Ohio State. Had handed the 1997 NCAA runner-up his first loss of the season after 31 victories. Had, in fact, pretty much had his way with the Buckeye senior.

University of Illinois 177-pounder Jevon Herman has moved up two spots to third in the latest Amateur Wrestling News individual rankings.

Illinois senior Jevon Herman upset top-ranked Mitch Clark, leading the UI to a 28-8 victory in its regular season finale against Ohio State on Sunday in Columbus, Ohio.

Clark, who took second in the NCAA Championships last season, was 31-0 before Sunday's loss to Herman in the 177-pound class. Herman, 22-4, fell to Clark in the Big Ten Championship title match last season.