The Alfred State wrestling team finished 5th out of 13 teams at the USCAA Championships held at Penn State last Sunday. Four Pioneers placed in the top four in the event.

George Van Valen won the 184 lb. weight class with a dominating performance. He pinned Devon Meredith in his quarterfinal match, pinned Sam Soloman (Alderson Broadus) in the semifinals, and earned a 16-0 tech fall over Jake Paulson (Penn State Behrend) in the finals. Van Valen is now 33-1 on the season.

Brandon Whitacre (Jamestown) was third in the 197 bracket. He pinned Nate Grygo (Pitt Wrestling Club) in his opening round match but fell in the quarterfinals to William Graham (Apprentice). In the consolation bracket he was able to pin Doug Their (Penn State Wrestling Club) and Marqus Young (Kent State-Tuscarawas) to advance to the third place match. He earned a medical forfeit to claim third place.

Ryan Mattison (Brockport) finished third in the heavyweight bracket. He pinned Shakeem Lassiter in his opening match but fell in the quarterfinals. He battled back with a 7-1 win over Lassiter and then pinned David Platon (Pitt Wrestling Club) in the 3rd place match.

Patrick Lehman (Marathon) was 2-2 on the day and took fourth at 125. He earned a pair of victories over Dan Bertram (Penn State-Mont Alto) on the day, one with a 15-0 tech fall and another by fall.

Apprentice took the team title with 182.5 points followed by Alderson Broaddus (107.5), Kent State-Tuscarawas (79.5), Penn State Wrestling Club (77.5) and Alfred State (75.5).

The blue & gold wrestle for the final time during the regular season on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. vs. Lycoming.