Posted: Mar 09, 2017
Three Pioneers Advance to Quarterfinals
Three Alfred State wrestlers advanced to the quartefinals of the NCWA Championships on Wednesday. Konnor Kremer (Horseheads), George Van Valen (Ithaca), and Brandyn Whitacre (Jamestown) all were 2-0 on the first day of competition.
Kremer, in the 174 lb. bracket, started the day off with a 23-9 major decision over Javiair White (Rutgers Wrestling Club) and then defeated Eli Dittenber (Montana Tech) 5-2 to advance to the quarterfinals to face Josh Ferenczy (Liberty).
At 184, Van Valen didn't allow a point in his first two matches. He won 9-0 over Luis Jauregui (Cal State Fresno) and then earned a 15-0 major decision over Jackari Vines (Mott CC). He will face DJ Morrow (Grays Harbor) in the quarterfinals.
Whitacre earned a pair of pins to start his competition in the 197 lb. weight class. He pinned Harold Brown (Texas Arlington) in 3:45 and then pinned Scott Grishaber (Michigan Dearborn) in 6:50 to advance to the quarters. He is scheduled to wrestle Jesse Slocum (Akron) in the morning.
Patrick Lehman (Marathon) was 2-1 in the 125 lb. bracket. He won 4-2 over Daniel Bell (Florida State) in his opening match but fell in his Round of 32 match. He rebounded with a 5-0 win over Alex Petersen (RPI) in a consolation match.
In the 165 lb. bracket Tristan Almeter (Iroquis) defeated Thomas Thaker (Utah State) 11-2 in his opening match and then defeated Bailey Carlson (BYU) 7-5 in the Round of 16.
In the heavyweight competition, Jeffrey Andrews (Randolph) split a pair of matches. He won 4-1 over Tyler Burris (Grays Harbor) in his opening match before falling to Jesse Gaudin (Central Florida) in the Round of 32.
The Pioneers sit in 10th place with 42.5 points after day one. Day two action in Allen, TX begins at 9 a.m.
