Three wrestlers place in top five at Mesa Invitational

The Chadron State Wrestling team traveled to Grand Junction Colo., on Saturday to compete in the Colorado Mesa University Invitational. Three Eagle wrestlers placed in top five spots, while five won at least two matches that day.

Mike Hill, sophomore heavy weight of Fort Laramie, Wyo., started the day off with a loss, but responded with four straight wins. Hill went against Kyle Graulus of Adams State, and won by a 4-2 decision. Hill also was a major placer for the Eagles the prior week at the Cowboy Open.

Leandro Arias, sophomore of Cheyenne, Wyo., who wrestles at the 141-weight class out strong, winning his first two matches. Then when he suffered his first loss in the third, he didn’t let it keep him down. He came back with two consecutive decisions to capture third place.

Jordan Debus, junior of Mitchell, was able to capture fifth place after winning a forfeit victory. He went 3-2 for the day at the 184-weight class.

Other wrestlers who made out with a winning record (3-2) on Saturday were Bryce Wiedeman, 157-pound freshman of Mitchell, and Tyler Smart, 165-pound sophomore of Wheatland Wyo., who both ended with a 3-2 record.

“I thought things went well, we had some guys step up and wrestle well, and that’s all I can ask for now,” interim Head Coach Brett Hunter said.

The Eagles participate in the Nebraska-Kearney open this Saturday in Kearney. Start time is 9 a.m.