From University of Chicago Athletics

The University of Chicago wrestling team collected two weight class titles and finished fifth as a team at the Elmhurst College Al Hanke Invitational on Saturday.

Olivet College topped the 11-team field with 141 points, while UChicago was fifth with 83.5 points.

"Our two champions wrestled well, but so did Palmisano and Richter," said Head Coach Leo Kocher. "Mario lost a close match with the No. 2-ranked heavyweight in Division III and Devan's semifinal match was against a very tough international junior medalist. We had to pull him out of his next matches due to injury, but he gave the champion his toughest match by far. Adam Wyeth did some very good wrestling on his way to third place."

The Maroons came away with titles at 165 and 174 pounds. Sophomore Paul Papoutsis (165 pounds) ran through his first two matches with a second-period fall and an 8-0 major decision. His next two matches were much closer as Papoutsis prevailed in the semifinal 6-5 and then won in overtime 7-5 in the final. At 174 pounds, freshman Nick Ferraro also dominated his first two matches by fall and an 11-2 major decision. He captured first place after coming away with two more wins by scores of 3-1 and 7-3.

At heavyweight, senior Mario Palmisano took his opening two matches and then outlasted his semifinal opponent 3-1. He ended up losing in the final 2-0 to snap his 11-match winning streak. Senior Adam Wyeth won his first match 8-4 at 133 pounds, but lost in the semifinals 2-0. In the consolation bracket, he picked up a pin in the second period and then finished in third place.

Freshman Devan Richter (125 pounds) pinned his first two opponents in the first period before losing to the eventual champion from Harper College 9-5 in the semifinals. He ended up taking sixth.

Additionally, freshmen Elliot Henderson (141 pounds) and Nicholas DiNapoli (174 pounds) both picked up two victories apiece on the day.