Wrestling’s Nace and Kratochvil Head to Nationals

By Ronald Hanaki
Sports Editor

ESU’s Wrestling team finished in eighth place at the NCAA Super Region I tournament last Saturday.

Redshirt sophomore Dylan Nace and senior Joey Kratochvil both finished in the top four of their respective weight classes (141 pounds and 157 pounds). As a result of their top four finishes, Nace and Kratochvil will participate in the NCAA Division II Championships at Birmingham, Ala. on March 10-11.

At 141 pounds, Nace lost to Notre Dame’s Cobey Fehr by a majority decision in the semifinals, but Nace beat Kutztown’s Michael O’Brien by fall in the consolation semifinals. Nace’s next opponent forfeited the match enabling Nace to finish in third place overall.

At 157 pounds, Gannon’s Eric Lewandowski beat Kratochvil by technical fall. Kratochvil rebounded in the consolation semifinals by beating Notre Dame’s Fernando Silva by an 8-5 decision, but in a close decision, Seton Hill’s Zach Voytek defeated Kratochvil 5-4 in the consolation final. Kratochvil finished in fourth place overall.

ESU’s other wrestlers were Tyler Richardson and Brandon Steele.

Richardson finished in fifth place at 184 pounds.

At 197 pounds, Steele lost to Gannon’s Ethan Budd in the consolation quarterfinals. Notre Dame’s Wrestling team was the Super Region I winner.

Email Ronald at:
rhanaki@live.esu.edu