The junior won his first three matches, all by decision, to reach the championship match at 125 pounds. Unfortunately, he could not claim the gold in falling 13-3 to Cruse Aarhus of Northern Iowa.

Five other Statesmen grapplers also placed in the top six at the Open, led by a third-place finish from Dustin Howa (Sr., Price, Utah, Carbon HS). The senior 141-pounder lost his first match, but then reeled off four consecutive wins, including two falls, to claim the bronze.

165-pounder Chris Diaz (So., Montrose, Colo., Olathe HS) reached the third-place match as well, unfortunately losing that contest to take fourth with a 2-2 record (one major decision win).

133-pounder David Crow (Jr., Baumholder, Germany, Baumholder HS) and heavyweight Bobby Proffitt (Fr., Marshalltown, East Marshall HS) both placed fifth with identical 2-2 marks. Both had one fall apiece.

Alfredo Velazquez (Fr., Fontana, Calif., AB Miller HS) was sixth with a 1-3 record (one fall) at 141 pounds.

Next: Penn hosts Waldorf Wednesday in its final dual meet of the year. Action begins at 7 p.m.