From University of Chicago Athletics

Devan Richter reached the championship match of the 125-pound bracket to lead the University of Chicago wrestling team's efforts at the second day of the Wheaton College Pete Willson Invitational on Saturday.

The Maroons placed 11th out of 32 teams with 48.5 points scored. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater won the team title with 131 points.

Richter started the day wrestling in the semifinals against the top seed Lucas Malmberg (Messiah College). Richter trailed in the first period 8-1 but then spun out and pinned Malmberg at the 2:43 mark in the first period. Malmberg is currently ranked No. 1 in the country at 125 pounds and is a two-time NCAA runner-up.

In the championship match, Richter took on No. 3 seed Ryan Weinmann (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse). However, the sophomore lost to Weinmann 15-5 to take second place.

At 174 pounds, Paul Papoutsis continued his weekend in the consolation bracket. He lost 2-1 to the No. 5 seed from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and placed eighth in his bracket after an 8-5 loss to the No. 7 seed from John Carroll University. Papoutsis finished the weekend with a 4-3 record.

"Devan's semifinal win over the No. 1-ranked wrestler in Division III electrified the crowd, particularly since Devan came from behind to pin him," said Head Coach Leo Kocher. "We go to this tournament to wrestle the best in the nation - it is a very valuable experience. Nick Ferraro defeating the fifth-ranked wrestler in Division III is a great example. Paul Papoutsis wrestled some great matches against nationally-competitive wrestlers as well. I am also proud of the other three who won matches. Team points are tough to come by in this tournament and these guys made big contributions."