Parker, DeWitt, Straw All Cyclone Open Champs

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State wrestling team (0-0, 0-0 Big 12) kicked off the 2017-18 wrestling season with competition at the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open. In total, Iowa State had twelve place-winners in the open division and nine in the freshman-sophomore division.

Among the place-winners in the open division were title performances from redshirt freshman Ian Paker and redshirt sophomores Gavin DeWitt and Chase Straw. In the freshman-sophomore division, Kristian Vasquez and freshman Kaden Sauer both won their brackets.

At 133 pounds, Parker was dominant in his winning efforts. He scrapped to a 3-0 record, outscoring his opponents 23-6 without surrendering a takedown. He defeated Missouri's Allan Hart by 13-5 major decision, UNI's Jack Wagner by 4-0 decision and Northern Illinois' Alijah Jeffery, 6-1 in the finals.

DeWitt grinded his way through the 149-pound bracket. He was also a perfect 3-0 on the day, opening the day with a 14-3 major decision against Cameron Kelly of SIURTC. He went on to defeat Adres Gonzalez of Grand View by 6-5 decision before knocking off SIUE's Tyshawn Williams 8-4 in the finals.

After receiving a first round bye and a win by medical forfeit, that left Straw with only one match to wrestle on the day; the 157-pound final bout. He scored on a pair of takedowns and an escape to beat Erik Travers of SIUE by 5-2 decision.

In his debut at heavyweight, Marcus Harrington made the finals. He started the day with a first period fall over Grandview's Matthew Kent, followed by a gritty 4-2 decision in sudden victory two over Northern Illinois' Caleb Gossett. Harrington reach the finals on an 8-2 victory over teammate Nick Nolting before falling to Carter Isley of UNI, 3-2.

Iowa State returns to the mat on Sunday, Nov. 12 in its dual opener with the Drexel Dragons. The dual is set to begin at noon.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Marcus Harrington

Kaden Sauer

Chase Straw

Kristian Vazquez

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics