Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Reno Tournament of Champions
CMU Wrestlers Second at Reno
12/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
RENO, Nev. -- The Central Michigan wrestling team placed second out of 24 teams in the Reno Tournament of Champions on Sunday.
The No. 17-ranked Chippewas scored 119 team points, finishing second behind No. 11 Illinois, which finished with 152. Stanford, which is coached by former Chippewa wrestler Jason Borrelli, finished third with 91.
"I think we're improving," CMU coach Tom Borrelli said "I'm a little disappointed that we didn't have any champions, but we had some guys that had real nice days and some guys that were able to battle back and place pretty high."
Of the 15 wrestlers CMU brought to the tournament, nine placed in the top six of their respective weight classes. Three Chippewas wrestled in the finals.
CMU's Corey Keener (133 pounds), Zach Horan (141) and Colin Heffernan (149) all finished second. Luke Smith (157), Jordan Ellingwood (184) and Jackson Lewis (197) each finished third.
Horan, a senior who was seeded second in the tournament and is ranked 12th nationally, fell to No. 1 seed Bryce Meredith of Wyoming, 7-4, in the title match. Meredith is ranked No.11
Heffernan, a sophomore who is ranked eighth and was the No. 1 seed, fell in the finals to third-seeded Geo Martinez of Boise State, 8-5. Martinez is ranked 18th.
"I wouldn't say I'm frustrated with those (Horan and Heffernan)," Borrelli said. "It's just something where they both know they need to be better in those types of matches.
"We were capable of winning both of those matches and it's just something we need to continue to work on and get better at throughout the season."
Keener, a junior, dropped a 20-8 major decision in the finals to No. 1 seeded and ninth-ranked Zane Richards of Illinois.
CMU's Jordan Atienza finished fourth at 165, Mike Ottinger (174) finished fifth, and Austin Severn (184) finished sixth.
Atienza and Ellingwood, both of whom are sophomores who have seen limited time in the starting lineup, had strong showings in the tournament. Atienza finished 6-2 and Ellingwood was 6-1 on the day.
"Those are two guys that are real important to this team," Borrelli said. "We're still trying to sort some stuff out in those weight classes with injuries and things so having guys like that is a real important."
The Chippewas will return to action on New Year's Day as they travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., to take part in the two-day Southern Scuffle.
Players Mentioned
