Council Bluffs, IA –Garrett College sophomore 197-pounder Elijah Hunter went 2-2 Saturday at the 2023 NJCAA national wrestling championship tournament.
"Elijah had an excellent tournament," said GC head coach John Chambers. "I wish I could recruit a whole roster of Elijah Hunters. His work ethic on the mat and in the classroom is unmatched."
Connor Saladin went 1-2 at 285 pounds. GC's third national qualifier, EJ Guy, finished 0-2 at 133 pounds.
"Connor has made tremendous strides, as a person and as an athlete, since he arrived at Garrett three years ago," said Chambers. "Finishing his Garrett College career with a win at the national tournament was amazing.
"Just making it to the national tournament was a huge accomplishment for EJ," added Chambers. "He gained valuable experience that will help him next season."
Hunter overcame a 3-0 deficit in his 5-3 sudden victory overtime win against Isaiah Chukwu of Joliet Junior College in the opening round.
The 16th-seeded Hunter used second- and third-period escapes to pull with 3-2. He then drew even when Chukwu was penalized a point for stalling.
Hunter won the match with a takedown with 1:04 remaining in sudden victory.
"Hunter stayed patient throughout the match," said Chambers. "He capitalized on his opportunities in key situations."
Top-seeded Michael Gasper of Clackamas (OR) Community College pinned Hunter in 1:51, but Hunter rebounded for a 9-3 win over 15th-seeded Richard Jones of Ridgewater College. Hunter, nursing a 4-2 lead into the start of the third period, used a pair of takedowns to break the match open.
Ninth-seeded Austin Suess of Southwest Virginia Community College pinned Hunter in 2:02 in a rematch of last month's Gulf Atlantic District championship match. Suess, who finished eighth at nationals, also pinned Hunter (23-11) in the Gulf Atlantic final.
Seventh-seeded Hugo Harp of Iowa Central Community College pinned Saladin 13 seconds into their 285-pound opener. Saladin, however, bounced back to pin Shane Saulnier of Sussex County (NJ) Community College 14 seconds into the second period of their consolation match.
Ninth-seeded Jose Ramos of Harper (IL) College eliminated Saladin with a third-period pin in the second consolation round.
After earning a first-round bye, the 15th-seeded Guy was pinned by Thaddeus Long of Carl Albert (OK) State College in 45 seconds. Trey Kratko of Patrick & Henry (VA) Community College then eliminated Guy with a 7-2 victory.
Western Wyoming Community College used superior depth to claim the team title. The Mustangs didn't win any individual crowns, but amassed 134 points as their wrestlers finished in the top eight in eight different weight classes.
Pratt (KS) Community College edged Iowa Western Community College, 112.5-106.5, to take second place.
