NEW BETHLEHEM — Five Curwensville Area High School wrestlers emerged undefeated from the marathon first day of the 37th Redbank Valley Christmas Tournament Friday, while seven others remained in contention for consolation honors in the 25-team event.
Derek Brothers, seeded third at 103 pounds, won two bouts to become the lone Golden Tide matman advancing to the championship semifinals.
Brett McCracken (145), Matt Holland (152), top-seeded Nick Sipes (189) and Nick Caldwell (285) were victorious in their only matches but did not get to wrestle in the quarterfinals because the session was halted at 10:30 p.m. after the 135-pound bouts.
Advancing to round three of the elimination brackets were Tyler Peters (112), second-seeded Brett Sutika (119), Jeff Thomas (130), Justin Johnston (135), Justin Smith (140) and Jarrett Sloppy (160) with 1-1 records and Nathan Russell (215) with a 0-1 record.
Thomas was edged 4-2 by top-seeded Cody Northcott of Cochranton.
The lone Curwensville wrestler not advancing was Jesse Hoover, who was 0-2 at 171
.