From University of Chicago Athletics

Six University of Chicago wrestlers picked up multiple wins at the first day of the Wheaton College Pete Willson Invitational on Friday.

The Maroons currently stand 10th out of 32 teams (39.5 points) at the largest small school wrestling tournament in the nation. University of Wisconsin-Parkside leads the team standings with 87 points.

Devan Richter entered the invite as the No. 5 seed at 125 pounds. The sophomore made quick work of his opening two opponents with a pair of first-period pins. He then took on the No. 4 seed from Augustana College in the quarterfinals and picked up his third fall of the day in the final 30 seconds of the match. He will next face the No. 1 seed from Messiah College in Saturday's semifinal. Richter is currently riding a nine-match unbeaten streak.

Paul Papoutsis picked up the most wins for the Maroons on the day by going 4-1 at 174 pounds. Papoutsis shutout his first opponent 17-0 for a technical fall, but he lost his second-round match 8-5 to the No. 6 seed from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In the consolation bracket, the junior reeled off three-straight wins by scores of 20-2, 10-5 and 6-4. He is still alive in the consolation draw and is guaranteed a spot in the top eight of his weight class.

At 184 pounds, sophomore Cristen Bublitz shook off an opening-round loss to win his next two matchups via first-period falls. He ended up going 2-2 on the day.

Three other UChicago wrestlers also finished up at 2-2. Sophomore Nick Ferraro competed at 165 pounds and knocked off the No. 2 seed from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 12-8. He also scored a 19-2 technical fall victory. Senior Ryan Walsh got wins at 197 pounds with a 4-2 decision and a pin. Freshman Louis Demarco earned a 13-3 major decision and a medical forfeit at 133 pounds.