Illinois wrestling recruit Ryan Berger of Mahomet, competing at 143 pounds in the freestyle division, improved to 6-1 Friday at the ASICS Tiger Junior National Championships in Fargo, N.D., after claiming a controversial 6-4 overtime victory against Mike Kulczycki of Ohio.

Berger, a two-time state champion, advanced to the final four in his class and will earn All-America status unless Kulczycki wins his protest. With the match tied 4-4 and little time remaining, Berger was penalized for a false start. The Ohio contingent said Berger should have been penalized one point instead of given a warning.

Another UI recruit, Matt Lackey of Moline, also fared well. Lackey, another two-time state champ, improved to 8-0 in his 165-pound class and has an excellent chance of reaching the final.

Illini signee Kelly Madden of Pekin, who placed fifth in Greco-Roman, is 4-2 at 123 pounds. UI recruit Nick Curby of LaGrange Lyons, who claimed fifth in Greco-Roman, went 1-2 at 1911/2 pounds.