From University of Chicago Athletics
In a stacked field of top talent, the University of Chicago wrestling team had three wrestlers place in the top eight of their weight classes at the Concordia (Wis.) University Open on Saturday.
Sophomore Michael Sepke made his collegiate debut a successful one by taking fifth place at 157 pounds. He went 5-2 on the day and won the fifth-place match 6-4. Sepke missed last year due to injury.
Juniors David Gremling and Steven Franke both placed in the top eight of their weight classes. Gremling went 4-2 with two pins at 285 pounds while Franke was 2-2 at 184 pounds. Freshman Nick Ferraro compiled three pins and one technical fall at 174 pounds en route to a 4-2 day.
Four other Maroons picked up multiple wins on the day, including freshman Devan Richter (125 pounds), sophomore Mike McNulty (149 pounds), junior Brennan King (165 pounds) and junior Ryan Walsh (197 pounds).
"This tournament is as tough as it gets for Division III," said Head Coach Leo Kocher. "There were several Division I and Division II athletes in each weight class. Michael had not competed for a year and a half. Wrestling the number of matches that he did and placing fifth was a good day's work. Gremling and Franke finishing in the top eight in their weight class was no mean feat either. Some freshmen also impressed me as well. Richter had a very strong college debut."