Thierman and VanValen Perfect on Day One of NCWA National Championships

Ryan Thierman (Portville) and George VanValen (Ithaca) both were 2-0 on day one of the NCWA National Championships in Kissimmee, FL. 

After a bye in the 1st round of the 125 lb. bracket, Thierman defeated Edison Garcia (Central Florida) 7-0. He then pinned Dell Ngonga (Liberty) in 5:00. He will take on Brendan Hazelton from Grand Valley State in the quarterfinals on Friday.

VanValen had a dominating day in the 174 lb. bracket. He won 14-1 over Deontay Wadley (Penn State DuBois) and then pinned Noah Villermarette (Texas State) in 2:25. He will tangle with James Jones (Grays Harbor) in the quarters.

Michael Boyle (Cooperstown) split a pair of matches in the 133 lb. competition. He pinned Paxton Sternberg (Wayne State) in 4:50 but fell in a tight match 10-7 to Zachary Vatalare (Michigan Wrestling Club).

Riley Andrews (York) also split a pair of matches at 235. He pinned Xavier Henderson (Washington State) in 1:02 but was pinned by Harun Bogdonic (Grand Valley State).

Wrestling resumes at 9 a.m. on Friday from the campus of the University of Central Florida.