Braves wrestling fares well in Florida

By Jonathan Bym
Sports Editor

January 26, 2012

Photo by Mindy Hubbard

Daniel Ownbey (top) controls his opponent earlier this season. Ownbey finished in third place in the 141- pound weight class for the Braves at the Citrus Invitational.

All-American Mike Williams was one of eight UNCP place-winners at the Citrus Invitational in Lauderdale, Fla., on Dec. 29 and 30.

The Braves grapplers took home sixth place in the tournament with a total of 104 team points.

Williams received the Robert Del Rosa Most Out- standing Wrestler honors as he went 5-0 in the 165- pound weight class to take home the title. His road to the championship started as he defeated John Piechuta from Mount Union by a 5-2 decision, Ohio Northern's William Painter by a 3-2 decision and Jordan Larsen from Colorado Mines by a decision of 5-1. In the championship match, Williams defeated Sean Gill of John Carroll by a 8-0 major decision.

The title is Williams' third straight championship this season, also taking home the title at the Davidson Open and the Midwest Classic.

James De La Riva took home second place in the 285-pound division as he defeated Josh Roberts of Mount Union by a 2-1 decision, Tyler Smith of Heidelberg by a 8-0 major decision and Andrew Wilson of Liberty by a decision of 3-1. De La Riva was defeated by Chad Johnson of Augsburg in the championship match by a 9-3 decision.

Representing the Braves in the 141-pound weight class was Daniel Ownbey, who took home third place honors. Ownbey defeated Ursinus' Trey Daubert by a 25-10 major decision, Pete Hughes of Mount Union by a 24-8 major decision. Jake Saatzer of Augsburg defeated Ownbey in the form of a pin. Ownbey captured his next four matches to finish off the tournament.

In the 184-pound weight class, Shiheem Bryant captured fourth as he went 5-2 in the two-day tournament. Adonis Wright captured sixth place in the 133- pound class as he went 5-3.