INDIANAPOLIS, IN – An impressive opening day performance by the #16 University of Mary wrestling team at the 45^th Midwest Classic sees the Marauders advance six UMary wrestlers to day two of the largest NCAA Division II tournament.

The Marauders are in ninth place heading into day two of the Midwest Classic with 39.5 team points.

#2 Reece Barnhardt and Trae Thilmony went undefeated on day one, winning two matches each to advance to the quarterfinals on Sunday. Barnhardt and Thilmony need to win one more match to place in the tournament.

Four more Marauders will wrestle in the blood rounds on Sunday. Mason Gutenberger, Sean Solis, Kaden Renner and Dante Roggio will each need to win two more matches to place at the Midwest Classic.

Barnhardt showcased his dominance at 133 pounds by not conceding a single point to his opposition. He opened the tournament by defeating Joseph Aldrich (American International) by an 18-0 tech fall. The Bismarck, ND, native then took down Javien DeLeon (Kutztown) by a 10-0 major decision to advance to the quarterfinals.

Thilmony (141 pounds) kicked off his tournament with a tremendous comeback against #9 James Ryan (Kutztown). The Thompson Falls, MT, native trailed 6-0 in the third period before hitting three takedowns in the final 1:30 to win 9-8. Thilmony then booked his ticket for day two by defeating Alex Castaneda (Colorado Mesa) by a 21-5 tech fall.

Gutenberger (125 pounds) went 4-1 on the day, winning two matches by pinfall and one by tech fall. His only loss came to #4 Shane Corrigan (Wisconsin-Parkside) by a 7-2 decision.

Solis (141 pounds) finished the day going 3-1, earning tech falls in all three of his victories. His only defeat came in an incredibly close contest, falling to #7 Grayston DiBlasi (Colorado School of Mines) by a 2-1 decision.

Renner went 2-1 on the day. The Bismarck, ND, native defeated Taytgen Gillette (Chadron State) by an 8-2 decision and Evan Morris (Maryville) by a 9-3 decision.

Roggio posted a 3-1 record on day one. He won his first two matches by decision and his last match by tech fall. The Kuna, ID, native's only loss came to #4 Damon Ashworth (Central Missouri).

Lane Ewing, Joe Mushinsky and Marco Reyes all went 2-2 on the day but were unable to advance.

The Marauders return for day two of the 45^th Midwest Classic beginning at 8:30 am on Sunday, December 15, in Indianapolis, IN.  

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