The Blue Streaks wrestling team took to the mat this weekend with a renewed sense of optimism at the National Catholic Invitational. But as optimistic as they wanted to be, the reality of being undermanned would dictate a different result.

Notre Dame won the event with 134.5 points and had six champions in the ten weight classes. JCU, the only Division III non-scholarship team in the field,scored 41 points to finish sixth out of six teams.

Results 

The Blue Streaks had hoped for more points, but health issues hampered the team before they even took to the mat. JCU did not have a 125 pounder or heavyweight competing this weekend, as only 14 wrestlers took part Saturday.

Leading the way for the Streaks were junior Vinny Pizzuli (North Olmsted, OH, Lakewood St. Edward) (157 lbs) and sophomore Bryan Steinmetz (Port Washington, WI, Port Washington) (184 lbs). Pizzuli went 2-1 and finished in third place as he took out Cameron Fine of Seton Hill Univesity by pin in just 2:17. His other victory was also by fall.

Steinmetz finished in second, which led the Blue Streaks on the day. After sitting out all of last season, Steinmetz went 2-1 and was runner-up to top-seeded Alex Denman of Notre Dame. 

Three other Streaks placed in the tournament. Junior Connor Suba (Middleburg Heights, OH, St. Edward) (165 lbs) managed to lock in a 4th place finish for the 25th win of his career as a Blue Streak. Clarence Semple (Cleveland, OH, Lakewood St. Edward) also placed at 165 pounds, going 2-2 to earn fifth place.

Kevin Nycz (Parma, OH, Holy Name) finished sixth at 133 pounds.

The Blue Streaks take to the mat Tuesday, Nov. 23rd at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center as the Cleveland State University Vikings make a stop in University Heights at 7:00 pm.