From University of Chicago Athletics
The University of Chicago wrestling team completed its season with an 11th-place showing as a team at Saturday's NCAA Midwest Regional, hosted by Wabash College.
A field of 15 teams competed at the NCAA Regional, and the top three finishers in each weight class advanced to the NCAA Division III Championships. Wabash College topped the field with 117.5 points. UChicago's 28 points was good for 11th.
Two Maroons wrestlers came very close to achieving top-three finishes. As the defending NCAA Midwest Regional champion at 125 pounds, sophomore Devan Richter put together another fast start as the No. 2 seed. Richter pinned his first two opponents in short order in the first period of each match to advance to the semifinal round. But he lost that subsequent semifinal 7-5 in overtime. In the consolation bracket, he lost his next match with a late fall in the third period. Richter went on to secure fifth place with his third pin of the day. He finished the season with an overall record of 20-5.
Paul Papoutsis also made a run in his bracket. At 174 pounds, the junior received a first-round bye before winning 9-3 in his opening match. In the semifinals, he lost a 9-2 decision. He bounced back with a narrow 3-2 win in the consolation and reached the third-place match. However, a 4-3 loss ended his season as he finished fourth. Papoutsis led the team in victories this year with a record of 29-13.
Freshman Mason Williams (141 pounds) and sophomore Nick Ferraro (165 pounds) each earned victories on the day, going 1-2 apiece. In his debut campaign, Williams posted a 16-15 record and Ferraro wrapped up his second year with a 20-15 ledger.
"It was kind of a heartbreaking day," said Head Coach Leo Kocher. "Paul Papoutsis and Devan Richter were the only UChicago wrestlers seeded and they both got to the semis where a win would have punched their ticket to nationals. Devan lost in overtime. Paul had a semifinal loss as well but still had a shot to qualify for the NCAAs if he won the third-place match. He lost a very close bout. It is a tough regional and the five freshmen starters got some good exposure to what it takes to get to the national field. The five upperclassmen did compete well and we will have four back."