February 17, 2007

Phil Kruzel Earns National Wildcard at Great Lakes Regional

ELMHURST, Ill. -- University of Chicago senior Phil Kruzel (Elmhurst, Ill./ Fenwick) was selected as a wildcard entry to the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship by virtue of his performance at the 15-team Great Lakes Regional Saturday at Elmhurst College. Chicago finished third in a field that included four nationally-ranked teams. 

The Maroons' 79.5 points was one more than host Elmhurst College, which is ranked seventh in the latest Division III coaches poll.

Competing at 165 pounds, Kruzel -- who entered the day ranked fifth in the nation in his weight class -- won his first bout before being eliminated in the semifinals in overtime. He went on to win twice in the consolation bracket en route to a third-place finish.

Kruzel, who finished the regular season with a 29-3 overall record, earned his first trip to the national championship. Loras College will host the event on March 2-3.

Kruzel was one of seven Chicago grapplers to earn top-six place finishes. 

Senior Mike Bishof (Oak Brook, Ill./ York) was the runner-up at 174 pounds. He won his first three bouts before falling to the nation's third-ranked 174-pounder, Augsburg College's Robert Gotreau, in the championship contest.

Unseeded 184-pounder Ben Barnes (Wheaton, Ill./ Wheaton Warrenville South) and sixth seed senior 197-pounder Drew Marriott (Excelsior Springs, Mo./ Excelsior Springs) placed third in their respective weight class.

Marriott was eliminated in the semifinals before winning his final two matches in the consolation bracket. Barnes dropped his first bout of the day, then rallied to win five straight in the wrestlebacks.

At 157 pounds, freshman Troy Carlson (Cary, Ill./ Cary Grove) won three of five bouts en route to a fifth-place showing in a field that included 3 returning NCAA All-Americans.

Sophomores Ben Hart (Wood Dale, Ill./ Fenton) and Tom Nero (Carlisle, Ind./ Carlisle) placed sixth at 133 pounds and heavyweight, respectively.

Augsburg won the team title with 173 points, while North Central College (115) and Chicago (79.5) were second and third, respectively.

Complete Results