Gilroy Wrestler Wins NCAA National Championship for Illinois

Gilroy wrestler Jesse Delgado won Big Ten and NCAA national championships for the University of Illinois on Saturday March 23, the sports websites SB Nation and InterMat reported.

Delgado, a graduate of Gilroy High, defeated Nico Megaludis of Penn State by a score of 7-4 to become NCAA national champion at 125 pounds, according to the Champaign Room of SB Nation.

"Jesse is the first Illinois wrestler to be named national champion at his weight class, and the first Illinois wrestler of any weight to win a national championship since Matt Lackey 2003," the Champaign Room reported.

Delgado finished the season with a 27-3 record, according to InterMat.

"In the championship final match, Megaludis set the tempo early, pushing the action throughout the opening period," InterMat reported. "Delgado defended extremely well as he fought off the Nittany Lion's offense. The bout was tied 0-0 after the first period.

"Delgado chose down to begin the second period and notched the escape at the 1:47 mark to take a 1-0 lead heading into final period," InterMat reported. "Megaludis started down in the third and earned the escape to tie the match 1-1 at the 1:54 mark. However, Delgado got the takedown and three nearfall points to take the 6-1 lead with 43 seconds remaining. Megaludis scored an late escape and a takedown with 17 seconds remaining. Delgado notched one more escape with 15 seconds left to win the title 7-4."

Delgado's career record is now 61-11, according to d1collegewrestling.net.

At Gilroy High, Delgado was a four-time Central Coast Section champion, according to Gilroy High Wrestling.

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