In Brief:

The Builder wrestling squad placed 3^rd as a team at the Long Island Open Saturday with 111 points despite not having an entry at three weight classes.  The host, Nassau Community College ran away with the title with 194 points, followed by US Merchant Marine Academy with 141.5.  Apprentice narrowly edged Waynesburg University who finished in 4^th with 110.

Sophomore sensation Raekwon Jackson was the lone champion for the Builders, receiving a forfeit from teammate Kolin Johnson in the Championship bout at 133 lbs. 

Johnson plowed his way to the semi-finals with back-to-back pins, followed by a 3-2 victory in double overtime against Anthony Sobotker of Nassau.  He currently leads the team with 8 pins, and is tied in total wins and bonus point wins at 13 and 9.

Ray Ray recorded three straight falls on his way to the title, including a come-from-behind pin over Waynesburg in the quarter final.  This was his first tournament championship of his career.

The Messick brothers both placed at 125 lbs, with Dillon finishing 6^th and Colton as runner-up.  Colton recorded a decision and a major in the semi-finals before dropping an 8-4 decision to 2012 Olympian Brandon Escobar in the finals.  After dropping his opening bout to Escobar, Dill recorded a come-from-behind pin with 19 seconds remaining for a top six finish.

After a 5-4 loss in his opening bout, senior Wes Sorey recorded two straight technical falls, followed by an 8-3 decision to place 5^th as only semi-finalists could contend for 3^rd place. 

The Builder heavyweights fared well, with Russ Pierce and Peter Cortapasso finishing 3^rd and 5^th respectively.  

Russ recorded a pair of first period pins to advance to the semi-finals, before dropping a decision to the eventual champion from Waynesburg.  He would win the 3^rd place bout 3-2 over NCWA rival Springfield Tech. 

Passo dropped a decision to the eventual runner-up in his opening bout.  He would find his way out of his current sophomore slump by reeling off four straight pins to claim 5^th place as he was not eligible to contend for 3^rd place.

Other notable performances:   

Thomas Allison was 1-2 at 149 lbs, with a 18-3 tech fall over Hofstra.

AJ Deutel was 1-2 at 165 with a win over Springfield Tech.

David McElravy was 2-2 at 174 with a pair of pins.

Up Next:

Apprentice will travel to Waynesburg, PA after the holiday shutdown to compete in the Waynesburg Invitational Jan 4^th.  Apprentice finished 2^nd last season, and Johnson is the defending champion of the event at 133 lbs.