The Wyoming Seminary wrestling team travelled to the great state of Wisconsin this past weekend, opening up the New Year at the Cheesehead Invitational at KaukaunaHigh School in Kaukauna, WI. Historically, it has been rare for any team in any sport from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to compete in Wisconsin, but the Sem Wrestling Team braved the 16 hour one-way bus ride to become the first PA team to do so in at least the past two decades, and produced some excellent results.
The Cheesehead Invitational showcased some of the best wrestling in the nation, as many wrestling publications have labeled it a top-ten tournament in the country this season. Other out-of-state teams in the 25 team tournament included Brandon, FL, Apple Valley, MN, Simley, MN, Plainville Central, IL, and Lockport, IL. Wyoming Seminary did not disappoint, representing the east coast proudly, and turning in some great individual performances, as well as a strong team performance, placing third behind nationally ranked #2 Apple Valley, MN and #8 Brandon, FL.
Sem crowned two champions: 112lb Dom Malone (Granby, CT) and 285lb Mike McMullan (Easton, PA). Malone ended the tournament with a convincing 6-1 decision over Simley, MN Freshman Juan Torres in the 112 final. For Malone, this is his second tournament title this season. McMullan continued his domination of the 285 weight class, pinning every opponent of the tournament, culminating with a fall at the 5:19 mark over nationally ranked (10th) Henry Chirino of Brandon, FL. McMullan won the “Most Falls Least Time” award for his outstanding efforts. He is undefeated on the season. Joining them in the finals was 160lb Senior Chris Moon (Broad Run, VA), who lost a tightly contested final bout to Steve Keogh of Apple Valley, MN. Moon knocked off #1 seed and nationally ranked Wally Figaro of Brandon, FL in the semi-finals.
Sem also had excellent performances from two key Senior leaders at the event: 119lb Kyle Johnson (Stewartsville, NJ) and 171lb Jay Wieller (Allentown, PA). Both placed third at the event after losing tightly contested bouts in the semi-finals, leading the team throughout the weekend with their in-match energy and toughness. Junior Adam Morris (Mechanicsburg, PA) had a breakthrough weekend, losing in the semi-finals to nationally ranked Clark Glass of Brandon, FL in a close overtime bout, and then wrestling back to win third place.
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