Press Release by Murcyhurst Athletics
ERIE, Pa. — Luke McGonigal claimed his second straight Super Region I title at 197 pounds and earned a spot at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis as the Lakers finished fourth in the region Sunday at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.
The Lakers also have two wrestlers that will await the announcement of the NCAA tournament field on Monday as Trever Begin (Editor’s Note: Begin receives at-large bid) and Roland Mills each finished second in their weight classes to keep hope alive for a wild card bid.
McGonigal got off to a fast start using just two minutes to score a 16-0 tech fall over Derek Turner of AIC. In the finals, McGongial used a third period takedown to claim a 4-2 decision and a spot at the National Championships.
Begin also made his way to the final in the 184-pound weight class. In his opening match, Begin scored a takedown with one second left in the match to advance with a 10-8 decision. He dropped a 10-3 decision in the final earning second place.
At 133, Mills made his way to second the hard way. He dropped his opening match 10-3 to Jacob Dunlop of Gannon. Mills bounced back with a 9-3 decision in the third place match. In the true second-place match, Mills posted a 4-2 decision leaving the door open for an NCAA bid.
The Lakers finished fourth as a team with 39.5 points. The Lakers will await the NCAA tournament field on Monday. All NCAA qualifiers will travel to St. Louis on March 12 & 13 at America’s Convention Center Complex.