The Builder wrestling squad traveled to York College of Pennsylvania to compete in the prestigious New Standard Corp Invitational Friday an Saturday where two seniors placed top six in the event. Seven of the top 25 NCAA DIII teams were among the competition. Johnson & Wales University of Rhode Island dominated the event with 154.5 points, topping 3rd Ranked Ithaca by nearly 50 points.
Seniors Colton Messick and Chad Simmons were the lone place winners for Apprentice, placing 4th and 6th respectively.
Messick advanced to the quarter-final at 125 lbs with a decision and major decision over Averett and Ithaca. In the quarters he was stopped by defending NCAA DIII champion Jay Albis of Johnson & Wales. After another major decision, Messick avenged two previous losses on the season to advance to the consolation finals. Sam Braswell of Averett beat Messick in their previous two meetings, but the builder would hang on to a narrow 6-5 decision this time. In the consolation semi final Messick met 8th ranked (NCAA D3) Collin Wickramaratna of Ursinus, who beat him at the Fall Brawl. Colton forced the 2-0 bout into overtime with riding time and an escape and found a takedown in overtime for the win. He was 5-2 at the event.
Simmons also advanced to the quarters at 165 lbs with a pair of decisions before falling to John Garda of TCNJ. After another decision and a 16-1 tech fall, Chad would drop his next two for the 6th place finish. He has now tied Assistant Coaches Kyle Spruill and Josh Rodriguez for 99 career wins as a Builder. Only six apprentices have ever broke the 100 win mark in the history of the wrestling program.
Sophomore Kolin Johnson was the third Apprentice to advance to the quarters after two pins at 133 lbs but fell short of placing. After falling to the eventual champion from Delaware Valley, Kolin was leading his Ursinus opponent 5-0 before being pinned with five seconds left in the match to place top six.
Other notable performances:
Trey Templeton was 1-2 at 133 lbs with a tech fall
Wes Sorey was 2-2 at 184 lbs
Peter Cortapasso was 2-2 at HWT with a pin
Ross Graham was 2-2 at HWT with a pair of tech falls
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