Lemont Furnace, PA- The Builder wrestling squad claimed their third straight USCAA National Invitational tournament title Sunday, crowning two individual champions and five runner-ups.

Builder junior Kolin Johnson and Sophomore Peter Cortapasso both defended their 2019 titles at 133 lbs and 285 lbs respectively.  Johnson, currently ranked #1 in the NCWA, solidified his claim to finish atop the podium again in March with three straight falls in short-order.  With those three pins Kolin has entered the top-10 single season pin records for the team, tied in 7^th place with 20. 

Passo recorded two straight pins to advance to the finals, including a 2^nd period fall over 10^th ranked Derek Skeehan of Kent State Tuscarawus.   After giving up the first takedown in the finals, he responded with a 6 point throw.  With a slight lead heading into the final period, Passo's size was clearly the deciding factor, being able to smother his opponent from Garrett College for the remaining two minutes.

Kris Smith advanced to the finals at 125 lbs after a dominant win over Maryland WC, and a forfeit in the semi-finals.  Kris got in on a deep shot early on Noah Hodges of Alderson-Broaddus in the finals, but was unable to keep up his offense for the remainder of the bout.  This was his second runner-up finish of the season.

At 141 lbs, 2018 USCAA Champ Shalek Colon fell short of claiming his second title. Shalek struck early, scoring the opening takedown in the finals against Curtis Cox of Alderson Broaddus.  After a pair of takedowns from Cox, Shalek was unable to get past Cox's defense to mount a comeback.  On his way to the finals, Shalek recorded a pair of wins.

Freshman Thomas Allison raised some eyebrows at 149 lbs, securing his first collegiate finals-berth.  Thomas secured back to back wins before dropping the championship bout.

At 184 lbs, Wes Sorey dominated the field on his way to the finals before running into 7^th ranked NCAA D2 Gino Sita of Alderson-Broaddus.  After three unanswered takedowns from Sita, Wes found a reversal early in the third period to trail only 6-5.  A defensively solid Sita was able to comfortably counter late attacks from Sorey to win 10-5.

Sophomore Russ Pierce fell in the finals to Jared Burgoyneof Alderson Broaddus for the second straight year.  A questionable takedown on the edge would be the deciding factor, as Burgoyne went home with the 3-2 decision.

Three more Builders brought home hardware, finishing in 3^rd place.  First-seeded freshman David McElravy looked poised to claim his first tournament title of his career before giving up a last-second takedown to Garrett College in the semi-finals at 174.  Senior Jeremy Mosely had a great showing at 197, only losing on another questionable call to Alderson Broaddus in the semi-finals.  Mosely dominated his 3^rd place bout putting on a show with big takedowns and reversals.  1^st ranked Colton Messick placed 3^rd, his only loss being a forfeit to teammate Kris Smith in the semi-finals.

Next up: Apprentice will wrestle at Liberty University in Lynchburg once again at the Mid-Atlantic Conference.  Top five finishers at each weight will earn an automatic bid to the NCWA National Championships.