From Case Western Reserve University Athletics

Freshman Aaran Gessic (Perry, Ohio/Perry) won the 141-pound title, remaining unbeaten for the season, and the Case Western Reserve University wrestling team placed eighth of 10 schools competing at the 49th Annual Rochester Institute of Technology Invitational.

Gessic was 3-0 for the day with a pin. The rookie is now 9-0 this season with four wins via fall.  

After receiving a bye into the second round, Gessic defeated Sam Cullen of the State University of New York at Oswego via a 15-3 major decision. He then pinned Matt Pelton of Wesleyan University (Conn.) in 6:06 to advance to the championship match. Against Jake Sepor of host RIT, Gessic won the individual championship with a 16-2 major decision.

Also placing for CWRU was sophomore Nate Lewis (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston) in the heavyweight division (third) and freshman Travis Alexander (Farmingdale, N.Y./Long Island Lutheran) at 133 (fifth).

Lewis posted a 4-2 record in his collegiate debut. After falling in the opening round, he pinned Anthony Osman of SUNY Oswego in 00:53 then earned a 3-2 decision against Kelsey Patten of RIT. Lewis' next two victories came via medical forfeit.

Alexander was 3-2 for the day with back-to-back major decisions against Ryan Kwiatkowski of Alfred State College (N.Y.) and Evan McMahon of Thiel College (Pa.). His win in the fifth-place match came via medical forfeit.

In addition, two other Spartans won twice for the day; freshman Connor Gordon (Adams, Tenn./Rossview) at 149 and sophomore Nick Lees (Cleveland, Ohio/St. Ignatius) at 174. Each earned one victory by pin.