DANVILLE, Va. - The Apprentice School wrestling squad sent an abbreviated lineup to Averett University over the weekend for their first competition of the 2022-23 season. Four Builders placed in a field of 300+ wrestlers at the Cougar Open.

Senior heavyweight Peter Cortapasso led the way for the team, as the lone finalist. The Virginia Beach native advanced to the championship bout with three consecutive wins before falling to Rayshawn Dixon of Ferrum via ultimate tiebreaker. Passo recorded a first period pin, a 2-1 overtime decision, and an ultimate tiebreaker win in the semifinals. 

All-Americans Zach Ortega and David McElravy also had an outstanding day, both finishing in third place. 

Ortega bagged a pair of decisions over Roanoke College and a pin over St Andrews Presbyterian before falling to the eventual champion from Averett in the semifinals. Zach would rebound with a second fall over Roanoke to secure bronze at 149 pounds.

At 184 pounds, McElravy would advance to the semi-finals with a pin and two decisions before dropping a close decision to Averett. In the third place bout, he would gut out a hard fought 3-2 decision for his first action after an injury ended his season last year.

Freshman Josh Seaton was the final Apprentice to place, finishing in eighth at 174 pounds. The Gloucester, Virginia, native was 4-3 on the day with three first-period pins and a forfeit. 

Other notable performances included:

Caleb Olgers was 2-2 at 125 pounds with a pin and an injury default.
David Norris was 2-2 at 157 pounds with a pin and a medical forfeit. 
Landon Kissell was 1-2 at 157 with a pin.
Ethan Baker was 1-2 at 165 with a pin.
DJ Uribes was 1-2 at heavyweight with a pin over the eventual fifth place.
Caleb Hartung was 2-2 at heavyweight with a pair of pins.

The Builders will be back in action next weekend with a quad match at Toledo.