From University of Chicago Athletics
The University of Chicago wrestling team strung together a series of impressive performances at the first day of the Wheaton College Pete Willson Invitational on Friday.
A total of 34 teams are taking part in the two-day tournament, which features eight squads ranked in the national top 25. UChicago entered eight competitors into the packed field and produced quality results with a combined record of 19-12 on the day. Four Maroons reached the quarterfinals of their respective brackets and three remain in contention for day two.
Freshman Grant Morrison entered the fray at 141 pounds as the No. 7 seed. He went 3-1 on the day and is assured a spot in the top eight. Morrison pinned his first opponent, then won an 11-2 major decision to reach the quarterfinals. After a 7-4 loss to the No. 2 seed, he picked up another major decision in the consolation bracket.
Kahlan Lee-Lermer will also continue wrestling on Saturday at 149 pounds. As the No. 8 seed in his bracket, the freshman posted a 4-1 record. Lee-Lermer recorded a pin in his opener and then absorbed a 9-5 defeat in round two. Once he reached the consolation draw, he ripped off three-straight wins, including a pair of second-period pins. He has also guaranteed a top-eight finish.
Another top-eight finisher is Steve Bonsall at 157 pounds. The freshman compiled a 3-1 mark as the No. 6 seed. Bonsall tallied a pair of decision victories to reach the quarterfinals before a decision loss to the No. 3 seed that round. His consolation matchup ended in his favor by major decision.
Michael Sepke was also a quarterfinalist at 165 pounds as the No. 7 seed. The senior went 2-1, with a second-period pin and a decision to start his day. A narrow two-point loss to the No. 2 seed ended his run.
Sophomores Jason Lynch (184 pounds) and John Jayne (197 pounds) also picked up multiple victories on the day. Lynch went 3-2 with a trio of technical falls to his credit. Jayne was 2-2 with a first-period pin and a decision victory.
Senior Paul Papoutsis (174 pounds) and sophomore Patrick Mulkerin (285 pounds) both posted 1-2 records.