WHEATON, Ill. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team competed at the 2022 Pete Wilson Invitational on Friday and Saturday. With seven Blugolds earning podium placements, UWEC took home their first ever first place finish at the Pete Wilson Invite with 136 points and seven podium placements.
Leading the way for Eau Claire was Tyler Fleetwood (So. – Fulton, IL/Wartburg) and Mason Hawkins (Sr. – Farmington, MN) who both placed first in their respective weight classes.
Fleetwood started the day Friday with a first-round bye and followed it up with a 15-0 tech fall over Dylan Lee (OHNO). The road to his finals consisted of an 8-4 and 5-3 decision victories over Jayden Cardenas (SUNY) and Ethan Pogorzeiski (WIWH). The 133 finals came down to the wire as Tommy Fleetwood edged David Massey (UOMU) with a 3-2 decision win.
Mason Hawkins continued his stellar senior season with a championship win in the 285 division. Hawkins started the bracket with two pins in his opening rounds over Jarrell Carrey (CUWI) and Brady Elswick (RK). From there, he earned himself a spot in the finals with a 7-5 decision victory and a semifinal win over Brayan Reyes (MIUN). In the championship match, Hawkins shutout Robby Bates (NCI) with a 3-0 decision and earned his champion honors.
Five other Blugolds earned podium placements in the Blugolds' historic weekend tournament. Zach Sato (Fr. – Oswego, IL) earned a 2nd place finish at 141. Chase Schmidt (Sr. – Rice Lake, WI) and Jared Stricker (Fr. – Ashland, WI) both took home a 3rd place finishes at 165 and 174. Chase Melton (So. – Spooner, WI) placed 5th at 184.
The Blugolds will return home for their annual Don Parker Open and a nonconference dual next week. UWEC will face Saint John's (Minn.) on Friday, February 4th at 7PM and will host the Don Parker on Saturday, February 5th at 10AM. Both events are scheduled to take place at the McPhee Physical Education Center Gymnasium.
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