Augustyn places at Simpson Invite, qualifies for NAIA Nationals

Blake Augustyn, a freshman from Ord, Nebraska, had an excellent performance at the Simpson College Invitational over the weekend.  Augustyn qualified for the 2011 NAIA national wrestling championships.

Augustyn went 5-2 with two falls and placed fifth in the 165-pound weight class.  Augustyn opened by the tournament with a 5-2 decision over Todd Brier of Central Missouri then won by fall in 2:40 over Kody Havens of Simpson College.  In the quarterfinals, Augustyn dropped a match to the No. 3 seed Landon Williams of Wartburg College.

In the consolation bracket, Augustyn pinned Dez Broeg of Buena Vista College in 4:17, then defeated the No. 6 seed Todd Brier of Central Missouri, 5-0.  In the consolation semi-finals, Augustyn dropped a 10-1 major decision to Matt MaGill of New York University.  In the fifth place medal match, Augustyn defeated the No. 5 seed Jesses Schossow of Wartburg College by injury default.

“Blake had an outstanding tournament,” said Coach Reese.  “He was physical, stayed in great position, and wrestled strategically.  The success he had at Simpson should propel him towards greater achievement in the upcoming schedule.”

Augustyn has been named the Edward Jones Wrestler-of-the-Week for his performance at the Simpson Invitational.  This weekly recognition is provided by Brady Johnson of Edward Jones Investments in Seward.

Freshman Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) placed in his fourth consecutive tournament.  Joseph, who is 16-7 on the season, placed sixth at the 133-pound weight class.  He won a 10-2 major decision over Grand View University, a 12-3 major decision over Coe College, a 12-1 major decision versus William Penn University and a 6-3 decision over New York University.  Joseph met the NAIA qualifying standard for the fourth time this season.

A number of Bulldog wrestlers had strong showings at the Simpson Invitational.  Jeff Green (West Point, Neb.) went 2-2 at 125 pounds.  Green won a 10-2 major decision over Grand View University and a 12-3 major decision over Coe College.  Travis Patrick (Castle Rock, Wash.) went 2-2 at 133 pounds, posting a fall over New York University and a 7-4 decision over Simpson College.

Robbie Resendiz went 2-2 at 141 pounds.  Resendiz posted two wins over the host school Simpson College, a 3-1 decision and a 4-3 decision.  Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) went 2-2 at 149 pounds.  Starkey won an 8-4 decision over Baker University and had a fall in 6:23 over Baker.  Ryan Perez (Lake Charles, La.) went 2-2 at 174 pounds.  Perez won a 6-3 decision over Simpson College and posted a 9-7 decision over Missouri Baptist University.