Full Stats and Results

LAS VEGAS, NV.- Entering day two of arguably the most difficult tournament in the country, Wisconsin wrestling entered the second half of the Cliff Keen Invitational with six wrestlers still in contention to place. At the conclusion Saturday evening, three of those Badgers found the podium en route to a 12th-place team finish out of 46 total participating programs.

"They competed hard overall," Assistant Coach Kyle Ruschell said. "Our quarterfinal round we took a hit, but our guys fought the whole match and almost came out on top. We have several things to work on, but all of our guys know they can compete with the best."

The highlight of the weekend and possibly the surprise of the entire tournament came from freshman Evan Wick who went 4-1 and was the highest placer for the Wisconsin squad, finishing second at 165 pounds. Evan took out two top-10 opponents including a 8-4 decision over third-ranked and previously unbeaten Logan Massa of Michigan. The match was tied late, before Wick was able to drain Massa out and get a takedown to secure one of the biggest upsets in the tournament. He then took that momentum to the semi-finals where he handily beat No. 9 Nick Wanzek of Minnesota in a 10-4 decision. He then went on to face No. 5 David McFadden of Virginia Tech where they battled before McFadden caught Wick and won by fall at 2:58.

Other Notables 

Senior Ricky Robertson went 5-2 in his final appearance at the invitational, placing fifth at 184 pounds. He had three wins over ranked opponents including a 3-1 decision over No. 16 Christian LaFragola of Brown, a 2-0 decision over No. 7 Drew Foster, and a 5-2 victory over No. 14 Steven Schneider of Binghamton in the fifth place match.

Freshman Zander Wick was the other placer for the Badgers, securing seventh in a 4-2 finish. His big victory came in a quarter-finals matchup against Colton McCrystal of Nebraska, who is the fifth-ranked, 149-pound wrestler in the country. Although it was in a losing effort, Zander was initially down 10-2 after the first period, Zander viciously retaliated and was able to tie McCrystal late in the third, before falling due to an escape in what was a stunning effort.

Wisconsin Wrestling will have their home-opener in dual action against Maryland at 8 p.m. (CT) in Madison at the UW Field House. Tickets can be purchased in advance here and will be available the night of the meet. More information on the matchups will be provided in the coming days at the official web page.