LANCASTER, Pa. – Columbia senior
Jack McGill claimed the 174-pound title at the David H. Lehman Franklin and Marshall Open Friday afternoon to highlight a successful showing that saw a total of six Columbia wrestlers post top-three finishes.
McGill became the first Lion to win a title at the tournament since Shane Hughes captured the 184 crown in 2013. Friday also marked the first collegiate open title of McGill's career. Columbia's six place winners at the Franklin and Marshall Open is the most in Columbia's eight appearances at the tournament.
"Today we improved and competed with greater intensity," Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling Donny Pritzlaff said. "The guys who are bought in are seeing positive results. Our staff challenged the team after last Sunday's duals and we saw a solid response that we can build upon.
Jack McGill wrestled solid all day winning his first college open and he will push to higher levels come March. It's time to gear up for the Ivy schedule and we will continue to prepare."
In addition to McGill's first-place finish at 174 pounds,
Richard Fedalen (149) and
Cesar Alvan (165) posted second-place finishes. Fedalen and Alvan both made a run to the finals, but were defeated in the championship match.
Kai Owen (149),
Joe Curtis (197) and
Vincent Mueller (285) all reached the semifinals before falling into consolation. Owen secured third-place with a forfeit by Jack Gioffre (Virginia). Curtis downed Blake Shaffer (Kent State) via fall (2:33) to take third, while Mueller also won via fall (2:44) over Alex Semenenko (Brown).
McGill's journey to the finals started with an 8-4 decision over Nolan O'Boyle (North Carolina) in the Round of 32. McGill then dominated with a 14-2 major decision against Kent State's Chris Sanchez to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. McGill posted back-to-back decision victories defeating Shane Reitsma (Rider) and Cooper Haase (Army) to reach the finals against top-seeded Sam Beckett (Penn State). McGill secured a first period takedown to hold an early lead over Beckett. McGill then scored an escape, takedown and near fall in the second period to build up a large lead. A takedown in the third period locked down the 15-3 major decision victory to claim the title at 174 pounds.
Fedalen received a bye and started competition in the Round of 32 at 149. Fedalen got the day started with two decision wins against Jack Crook and Nick Villani (Rutgers) to move into the quarterfinals. Fedalen then rolled past Nath Roth (Kent State) to advance to the semifinals to face top-seeded Jack Gioffre. Fedalen earned the win over No. 25 Gioffre by default to earn a spot in the 149 finals. Campbell's Wynton Denkins used a late takedown in the third period to defeat Fedalen, 4-1.
Alvan received the No. 2 seed in the 165 bracket and earned a bye to start the day in the Round of 32. Alvan posted tech fall victories over Mason Collins (Navy) and Oscar Aranda (Army) to cruise into the quarterfinals. Alvan then earned decision wins against Kelin Laffey (Pittsburgh) and Richie Grungo (Lehigh) to earn a spot in the 165 finals. Alvan battled in the finals, but came up short against Lehigh's Max Brignola in a 5-2 decision.
Connor Smith (125),
Sulayman Bah (125),
KJ Monaco (149),
Sander Miller (149),
Yanni Vines (149),
Dominic Rossetti (157),
Jake Wacha (157),
Nick Campagna (157),
Rawson Iwanicki (157),
Tyler Barrett (157),
Oliver Howard (165),
Matt Romanelli (174),
Nick Fine (184),
Spencer Fine (184),
Javen Jovero (197) and
Richard Ryu (285) also competed Friday.
Full results from the David H. Lehman F&M Open can be found on the FloArena website by clicking
HERE.
UP NEXT
Columbia has a two week break until the Ivy League slate begins on Friday, January 24 at 7 p.m. with a home dual against Penn inside Levien Gymnasium. The Lions will finish the weekend by hosting Princeton on Sunday, January 26 at 2 p.m.
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