Council Bluffs, Iowa -- Meet your new Roadrunner All-Americans -- Dylan Fischer (165 pounds) and Tyler Baer (174 pounds)! On an amazing weekend for Roadrunner wrestling fans, Fischer -- who placed fifth overall -- became the first Roadrunner Wrestling All-American since Dom Ruggierio/Toby Hague in 2016. Baer followed that lead, grabbing All-American honors with a fourth place overall showing.
Fischer, a two-year performer, rolled to a fifth place finish with a 4-2 tourney record that included a 12-6 decision over Nassau's Paul Illicate in the fifth place bout, a win that avenged a regular season loss to Illicate.
"It feels good to finish my career as an All-American -- it's something I'm sure I'll be proud of the rest of my life," said Fischer, a former West Deptford standout."I was away from wrestling for a little while after high school, and never imagined I would be this successful in college when I first came back to wrestle for Coach Antonelli."
Also walking away with All-American honors was sophomore Tyler Baer, a former Pitman star who compiled a 5-2 tourney record, including a fourth place overall finish. Baer set the tone early by recording a fall in 6:10 over Cowley's Jesus Nunez in the opening round.
"I came in with high expectations, and hoped to make it to the finals" commented Baer. "But overall, I'm extremely happy to finish fourth and to come away an All-American."
Freshman Nick DiGiacomo performed well at 125 pounds, finishing with a 3-2 overall record. He posted wins over Sullivan's Liam Bullock, Colby's Zach Tucker and Northeast Oklahoma's Luke Montgomery.
Freshman Atlee Cullison, who registered a 3-2 record overall, dropped his opening round bout to Colby's Kaena Desantos, but then picked up three straight wins over Mercyhurst's Aaron Morris, Northeastern's Ariel Rodriguez, and Northwest Kansas Tech's Eliajah Tanner. He then was eliminated in an 8-4 loss to Iowa Lakes' Deville Dentis prior to the All-American round.
"I was nervous just being here, and after my first match, I settled into a groove," said Cullison, a former Kingsway wrestler. "I'm surprised and thrilled to make it here as far as I did."
At 184 pounds, freshman Jaden Roberts collected close wins in his first two bouts before closing out with a 2-2 tourney mark.
At 197 pounds, freshman Curtis Thomas was impressive too, winning his first two bouts, including a 5:39 fall over Iowa Lakes' Tyler Needham in the opening round. He bowed out with a 2-2 tournament mark.
Early Rounds Action
Six Roadrunner wrestlers advanced to Friday night's quarterfinal round in the NJCAA National Wrestling Championships at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with each having a shot at earning All-American honors.
Advancing were Nick DiGiacomo (125 pounds), Atlee Cullison (149), Dylan Fischer (165), Tyler Baer (174), Jaden Roberts (184) and Curtis Thomas (197).
Check back here later tonight for updated results.
Tournament Preview
The Roadrunner wrestling team will be competing in this weekend's NJCAA National Wrestling Championship Tournament in Council Bluffs, Iowa as all 10 RCSJ wrestlers compete for National titles in their individual weight classes.
Bringing home individual titles out of last weekend's Eastern District Tournament were Nick DiGiacomo (125 pounds), Atlee Cullison (149), Dylan Fischer (165), Tyler Baer (174), Jaden Roberts (184), and Curtis Thomas (197). In addition, Thomas -- who recorded three pins on the day -- was chosen as the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Finishing as runnersup were freshman C.J. Mazzarelli (133) and sophomore Mike Rubino (141). Also advancing to Nationals were John Fountain, who had a third place finish at heavyweight, and sophomore Jared Carr (157), who qualified as a wildcard selection.
"We're ready for action -- we had a great week of practice, and the guys are excited to compete in this tournament," said second-year coach Dan Antonelli. "We feel we're more prepared heading to Nationals this year, so we'll see what happens."
Sophomore Tyler Baer, one of the team's most consistent performers of the past two seasons, is excited to return to Iowa.
"I'm much more focused, and I know what to expect," he said. "Every match will be a battle."
To view the individual weight class brackets, click here.
2019-20 NJCAA Wrestling National Championship Tournament
March 6-7, 2020
Mid-America Center
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Tournament web site:
https://njcaawrestlingcb.com/
Tournament Host:
Iowa Western Community College
Reiver Athletics
2700 College Rd.
Counicl Bluffs, IA 51503
Friday - March 6, 2020
Session I: 9:30AM - 3:00PM - Doors Open @ 8:30AM
Session II: 6:00PM - 9:00PM - Doors Open @ 5:00PM
Saturday - March 7, 2020
Session III: 10:30AM - 12:00PM - Doors Open @ 9:30AM
Session IV: 6:30PM - 9:00PM - Doors Open @ 5:30PM