Nov. 15, 2008

AMES, Iowa - Six out of nine Utah Valley University wrestlers who competed at the Harold Nichols Cyclones Open Saturday finished placing in the 32-team tournament.

“I am excited about the team this year,” UVU head wrestling coach Greg Williams said. “They are wrestling with confidence and are really working hard to develop in the areas they need to improve. Even in the matches that our younger guys are losing, they are working hard through the whole match and not letting up. I am proud of them.”

UVU battled it out at the Harold Nichols Open against some of the best wrestlers in the nation. Top notched talent that was at the open included wrestlers from No. 1 Iowa, No. 2 Iowa State, No. 6 Nebraska, No. 12 Wisconsin, No. 22 Northern Iowa, and fellow Western Wrestling Conference opponent South Dakota State just to name a few.

Utah Valley sophomore Benjamin Kjar led the way again as he finished placing third in the 125-pound tournament. Kjar, who earned the two-seed on the day wrestled some very good competition and came through earning his 19th national rank. He fell in the semis to Andrew Long of Iowa State losing by only one-point (3-2) but rebounded winning two more matches to place third.

Three other Wolverine wrestlers placed fourth in their respective weight-class tournaments. Junior Jeffrey Newby came out of the 141-pound tourney, sophomore Justin Morrill at 149, and sophomore Jeb Clark 165.

Also placing for UVU at the open was sophomore Flint Ray who finished fifth in the 133-pound tournament and redshirt freshman Brad Darrington placed sixth at 174 pounds.

The other trio of Utah Valley wrestlers at the open included redshirt freshman Wade Eldredge (157), sophomore Casen Eldredge (184), and freshman Adam Fager (197) who all went 3-2 individually on the day. Wade and Casen both missed placement by only one match.

Utah Valley (0-1) in duals will be back in dual action next week at No. 14 Boise State on Nov. 19 and at Portland State the very next night Nov. 20. To round out the week the Wolverines will take part in the Best of the West Open in Central Point, Ore., Nov. 22.