Dec. 18, 2011
Contact: Tim Ertle
Follow CSU on TWITTER
Follow CSU Wrestling on TWITTER
CSU Athletics on YouTube
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Four CSU grapplers recorded top-six finishes to help the Vikings have a successful day at the 2011 Cleveland State Open.
Over 250 participants from 27 schools visited Woodling Gymnasium on Sunday (Dec. 18).
"The Cleveland State Open is an event that showcases the talent we have on our team in addition to highlighting some of the outstanding wrestlers in the area," head coach Ben Stehura said. "We had a great turnout and we hope people keep coming back."
Ben Willeford captured the title at 125 pounds by finishing with an unblemished 4-0 record. After two wins via decision, he recorded a fall in 51 seconds in the semifinal round. Willeford then defeated Eastern Michigan's Vincent Pizzuto 12-6 in the finals.
Nick Flannery, who lost his first bout at 133 pounds, fought his way through the consolation bracket and totaled a 4-2 mark to place fourth.
Josh Palivoda, 5-2 at 141 pounds, and Koort Leyrer, 3-2 at 165 pounds, both made it to the fifth/sixth place round in their respective weight classes.
Corbin Boone went 2-2 at 184 pounds.
The Vikings will compete in the Northern Illinois Quad Meet in DeKalb, Ill. on Wednesday (Dec. 21). CSU will battle Cumberland (Tenn.) at 12:00 p.m., No. 21 Kent State at 2:00 p.m. and the host Huskies at 4:00 p.m.
