Muskegon, MI - Five teams from the National Collegiate Wrestling Association’s (NCWA) Great Lakes Conference (GLC) were represented at the Ben McMullen Open on Saturday, November 5; Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Henry Ford College, Mott Community College, and the University of Toledo. These five teams competed against varsity NCAA D3 and NJCAA programs, and accounted for fifteen semifinalists, a finalist in eight of the ten weights, claimed nine of the twenty finalist spots, and crowned four champions, two by GVSU, and one each by Henry Ford and Mott Community College. All told, the GLC placed eleven wrestlers, earning more than one-quarter of the awards on the day.

Leading the way with five placers was Henry Ford College, with one champion, two runners-up, and two fourth place finishers. Next was Grand Valley State University with five semifinalists, four finalists, and two champions. Mott Community College and the University of Toledo each earned one award - Mott with a champion and Toledo with a runner-up. The young program at Ferris State competed hard and gained valuable experience against seasoned college wrestling programs.

At 125, Brendan Hazelton of GVSU was crowned champion. He won four matches on the day, with two falls and two decisions, all over NJCAA or NCAA D3 opponents. This was Hazelton’s first action since earning All-American honors last season.

Finishing as runners-up were Chris Brown and Trey Gower of Henry Ford College at 141 and 149, respectively. Collectively, they went 5-2 with three bonus point victories for the Hawks.

Claiming a championship at 157 was Dylan Dwyer of GVSU. Dwyer recorded two falls and two decisions on his way to the championship.

The next two weights saw returning NCWA All-Americans reach the finals. Taylor Workman of Toledo, fourth at the 2016 NCWA Championships at 165, looked in good form on his way to the finals. Bailey Bischer, Grand Valley State University - third at the 2016 NCWA Championships, reached the finals at 174, before dropping a close bout to top NJCAA competitor.

Mott Community College won the 197 championship, with Joe Roehl - 2015 All-American, recording four wins including two falls.

At 285, the GLC produced three of the four semifinalists and claimed the championship and runner-up spot. Diallo Matsimela Henry Ford College won by decision over 2016 All-American Harun Bogdanic, Grand Valley State University, by a score of 7-4. Miguel Correa of GVSU also claimed a spot in the semifinals before injury defaulting out of the tournament as a precaution to aggravating a knee injury.

Also earning awards on the day were David Knapp and Aaron Heinonen of Henry Ford College, placing fourth at 149 and 184, respectively.

Another wrestler with a strong GLC connection is Jared Lancaster. The freshman at Muskegon Community College placed fourth at 197. He is the younger brother of GVSU alum and NCWA All-American, Ryan Lancaster and was coached by GVSU alum, four-time NCWA All-American, 2004 National Champion Vince Gervais at Grand Haven High School.

These five teams are slated to compete at the Mott Bear Open on November 20.

Final results: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kRgSq_jDDQjYTzIC3Cj9plomnBCvTMFgszIX19YRtaw/edit?usp=sharing.
GLC results: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sMwziUClVFECZgEOouHpVW-lSkWp_Czk36kPYuEVurk/edit?usp=sharing
Full results: http://www.trackwrestling.com/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=685107