INDIANAPOLIS - Adams State Wrestling had a solid showing on day two of the 40th annual Midwest Classic as the Grizzlies had two of their three grapplers earn a podium finish on Sunday afternoon. Leading the way was
Darek Huff who placed second at 133 pounds.
Huff posted a 1-1 record on the afternoon to earn his runner-up finish. Also grabbing a podium finish for Adams State on day two was 141-pounder
Dylan Udero. He was 1-2 on the mat and placed eighth.
Huff started day two in the semifinal bout against Tate Barnhardt of Mary. The two grapplers battled back-and-forth the whole time but Huff held on for a tight 5-4 decision win to earn a spot in the the championship match. In the finals, the redshirt junior squared off against Brandon James of Marian University. A quick start from James ultimately proved to be the difference maker as he held on a 6-3 decision over Huff. Huff finished the Midwest Classic with an overall record of 4-1.
Udero got his second started with a win as well, but faltered in the next two to place eighth at 141 pounds. The junior grappler got the day started with a 5-1 decision over Aidan Burke of Mercyhurst to stay alive in the consolation bracket. The opening win secured him a top-eight finish. His second match of the day was a tough 7-2 decision loss to Kevin Kissane of Newman. Hoping to bounce back, Udero then took on Tyler Kenney of Seton Hill but was pinned in 7:53 to finish the Midwest Classic with 4-3 record.
Also making it to day two of the tournament was
Ryan Rochford at 157 pounds. needing one win to secure a top eight finish, Rochford battled every round with James Wimer of Findlay but came up short as he fell by way of 7-5 decision. He finished with a 3-2 record for the the Midwest Classic.
As a a team, Adams State scored 40.5 points to place 18th in the field of 39 schools. McKendree was the team champion scoring 127.5 points. Maryville posted 87 team points to place second, while Lindenwood (Mo.) was third with 85 points.
The Grizzlies will not return to the mats until after the New Year. They will be home on Jan. 4 for their first dual of the season as they play host to Colorado School of Mines.
