Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Kyle Murray at NCAA Regionals 22
Noah Tylutki

7 JCU Wrestlers Advance to NCAA Regional Semifinals; 2 Others Alive in Consolations

| By: Joe Ginley '16, SID
John Carroll Wrestling enjoyed a marvelous Day 1, highlighted by Murray's magic. 
ADRIAN, Mich. -- After missing out on the chance to compete on a regional and national level last year, John Carroll Wrestling roared on Friday.

On Day 1 of the 2022 NCAA Division III Central Region Championships, the Blue Streaks shined.

Entering Day 2, seven Blue Streaks are in the championship semifinals and two others are alive in the consolation bracket. The Blue Streaks are still represented in every bracket save for 184.

125
Kyle Murray: Highlights abounded on Friday, but one of the day's best occurred at 125 pounds. The junior opened the day with a 16-1 tech fall win in 3:00. His quarterfinal opponent, Ben Kamali of Albion, proved to be much tougher. Murray carried a 5-4 lead into the third, thanks to three escapes and a takedown. But he allowed a third-period takedown, so the match required extra time. In what was the move of the day, Murray looked to be in a losing spot against Kamali. But the Dublin native slipped him, rolled him over, and got a rare sudden-victory pin. It was a marvel to watch, and propelled him into Saturday's semifinal vs. Baldwin Wallace's Jacob Decatur, an Ohio State transfer and No. 1 ranked wrestler in the country.  

133
Andrew Perelka breezed into the 133 pound semifinals with two easy triumphs. The No. 6 ranked wrestler in Division III in his weight class, Perelka won his first match by fall at 4:13 before securing a major decision, 13-2. He'll do battle with Blake McGee of Wabash tomorrow in the semifinals. 

141
Jarrod Brezovec blew by his first two foes to open the day, claiming two tech fall victories. His third match was a bit closer, by a 5-1 decision. He'll have a difficult match ahead on Saturday, as he'll do battle with the always-tough Jordin James, currently ranked No. 2 in the country. Two of Brez's six losses are to the 2019 NCAA Champ at 133. 

149
Kale Buckiso made quick work of his first two opponents, notching a pair of pin wins. His quarterfinal bout vs. Ohio Wesleyan's Bryce Wittman was much more exciting. Buckiso allowed an early takedown before getting a point back in the second with an escape. He surrendered an early escape in the third, but notched a takedown with 1:09 left to force overtime tied at 5-5. Not long into overtime, Buckiso got the victory thanks to a takedown. He'll face off with Baldwin Wallace's Michael Petrella in the semis tomorrow, a rematch of an earlier season match against the nation's No. 4 ranked wrestler. 

157
Luke Reicosky got his job done in his first two matches. The veteran rolled to two decision victories, 11-4 and 11-5, to stroll into the semifinals. He'll do battle with Ryan Whitten of Otterbein tomorrow. Reicosky beat him by a narrow 3-2 decision earlier in the season. 

165
Patrick McGraw captured an easy 16-0 opening win before encountering a tough foe in the quarterfinals. Zach Altman of Adrian confronted him well early, getting out to a 2-1 lead. But McGraw fought back in the third, outsourcing him 3-1 in the third. He'll get Dylan Briggs of Olivet in the next round. Briggs barely beat McGraw earlier this year. 

174
Daniel Devera climbed out to a hot start in his first Regionals matches. The freshman vaunted to a 7-1 decision and a 13-1 major decision to roll into tomorrow. Baldwin Wallace's Donovan Palmer awaits, ready for revenge after Devera defeated him earlier in the year. 

197
Jesse Kanatzar won his opening contest, 9-0, before dropping an 11-7 loss to Dylan Wellbaum of Adrian. Kanatzar narrowly squeezed by BW's Aiden Cardaman in the consolations, living to fight another day. He'll open tomorrow with Boden Brown (Albion College). 

285 
Connor Bizjak experienced the busiest day of all JCU wrestlers. The heavyweight lost his initial match of the day, but did not surrender. He won his next match by pin to stay alive. From there, he quickly won his next match via a pin in the first minute. Bizjak moved along further, as he led 8-2 before his opponent's injury ended the bout. Bizjak will open against Owen Miller (Albion College) tomorrow. 
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories

Sponsors