Jan. 16, 2006

By Jason P. Skoda, The Arizona Republic

John Petty was fully against it.

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) wrestling coach did not want his 125-pounder using his funky takedown in matches because it would never work.

Then Richard Byrd changed Petty's mind.

"He has this cross-over duck-under that is unstoppable," Petty said. "I never thought it would work, then he hit on me. I told him to do it again, and he hit when I knew it was coming. After that I told him to use it whenever he can."

Byrd does and it is one of the reasons the Mesquite High graduate is ranked No. 4 in the nation among NAIA 125-pounders. The Chandler resident has become an elite wrestler in a short time because he became a quick learner. He never stepped into a wrestling room until he was a freshman in high school, yet finished third in Class 5A as a senior

"His first couple of matches he (was disqualified) because he kept locking hands," former Mesquite coach Bob Callison said. "I'd have to show him a move 25 to 100 times before he got it, but he was such a great athlete he would overcome a lot of things.

"Now, when he comes home, we talk and he has such a passion for the sport. He communicates so well about what he wants to do and how to do it, he has taken the sport to another level."

Petty has seen that growth as well since Byrd, a junior, walked onto the Prescott campus in 2003.

"He is mental savvy about the sport," Petty said. "He could be a coach right now. Richard knows the sport in and out. It gives him an advantage."

Byrd also has adjusted his style to the rugged world of collegiate wrestling.

He qualified for nationals as a freshman, but lost both matches. It's not a rare occurrence for a first-time qualifier, but it was the way he lost that changed Byrd.

"He came across a kid from the Midwest, and they are usually bangers and brawlers," Petty said. "This kid basically was fighting him. Richard looked at me for help and there was nothing I could do. I said, 'He's pretty tough, huh?'

"It ate him up and drove him. Whenever he has an off day in practice or he is sluggish, I ask him if he wants to see a copy of the tape."

Byrd has since become more physical.

"When you are physical and bang, it wears them out," Byrd said. "It opens up your offense because they are getting ready for the next bang and you are shooting."

It has worked pretty well over the last two years.

He finished fourth in the nation at 125 last season and is 21-6 this season. He just missed placing last month at the Reno Tournament of Champions, which is considered one of the toughest events of the season and brings in competition from all levels.

"It was a good tournament, but I wanted to place high," he said. "The competition was tough. It was. The thing is, I know I can be as good as anyone. I have to keep working because I want to be a national champion."

It might very well come this year as he has a history with all of the individuals ranked ahead of him at the national tournament.

Top-ranked Delrico Choates of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky.,major-decisioned Byrd in last year's national quarterfinals before finishing second; Byrd beat No. 2 Josh Sampo of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., in the consolation semifinals and lost to No. 3 Nate Engle of Missouri Valley, Iowa, in overtime for third place and again this year, also in OT.

"We're all about the same," he said. "It's going to come down to who wants it more. Who is going to have enough left to get that last takedown."

Petty is pretty confident it will be Byrd, especially if he hits his patented takedown.

"It's amazing," Petty said. "He takes a lazy single leg on the left side, when it is blocked, he re-shoots and when (the opponent) reacts it usually opens the right side. He redirects, kind of waddles over, for a duck under. We call it 'The Byrd.' He can hit it whenever he wants."