March 17, 2007

DETROIT, MI - Senior wrestler Payam Zarrinpour defeated Nichael Spaid of Bloomsburg University in a consolation match this afternoon to claim seventh place in the heavyweight division at the NCAA Division I National Championships.

Zarrinpour, who closes his career with an impressive 127-32 record, was thrown on his back early in the match and had to battle back from behind, finally winning the bout 11-8.

"When I got thrown I knew I had to work with my heart to get back," said Zarrinpour. "I was happy with the way I wrestled in the tournament but I still think I could have done better."

Zarrinpour, who is a four-time qualifier for the Nationals, was named an All-American for the first time by virtue of finishing in the top eight in his weight class. Sacred Heart had its best team finish ever, as well, in 40th place.