PARK CITY, Kan. - The men's wrestling team opened up nationals competition today out in Kansas as a program record four different student athletes represented Cornerstone in the 280 wrestler field. Trevor Marsman and Thade Radosa led the way winning their opening bouts to remain in the championship bracket while Jeffrey Bailey and Joe Lashuay competed hard but falling in their duels. Day two action will start at 12pm EST back at the Park City Arena.

125

#2 Trevor Marsman

• Defeated Connor Hueck (St. Thomas) - 6-5 Decision
  • After an early taken down put Marsman down 3-0, the senior recovered with a reversal and escape later in the match and then put some distance between him and Hueck with a big take down early in the third - Hueck did get a late reversal but Marsman hung on for the win
• Defeated Jose Gonzalez (Dickinson State) - 13-3 Major
  • Gonzalez took an early lead with a take down just 20 seconds into the first period and held a 3-1 advantage heading into the second. A reversal and then a takedown gave Marsman the 6-3 lead and he continued to pour it on in the third for the major
• Marsman will face #7 seed Allen Calderon (Indiana Tech) in the quarterfinals on Friday morning at 11am

Jeffrey Bailey 

• Lost to #4 Landon Smith  (Embry Riddle) - 6-2 Decision
  • Smith came out strong with an early take down and built on that lead allowing only a pair of escapes as Bailey dropped his opener
• Lost to Clemente Delgado (Graceland) - 4-2 Decision
  • In a great match, Bailey held a 1-0 lead after one but Delgado came up clutch in the second to build the lead and Bailey did not have enough to come back late in the third

157

Thade Radosa

• Defeated Tyler Muldrew (Campbellsville) - 10-3 Decision
  • Thade controlled the match from the middle of the first period with a solid take down and then he added to it after allowing Muldrew to escape with another takedown to take a 6-1 lead. Muldrew got a late escape in the second and one to start the third to make it 6-3 but Radosa closed it out strong to advance to the quarterfinals
• Radosa will face Aden Graves (the #4 seed) from Providence at 11am Friday morning in the quarterfinals

174

Joe Lashuay

• Lost to #11 Abel Nava (Providence) - by Fall
  • Nava proved very strong for the #11 ranked wrestler at the class and held a large lead until a pin late in the second period ended the match
• Defeated Eljiah Brocksmith (William Woods) - 10-7 Decision
  • Lashuay came back strong in his second match of the day and held the lead (3-0 and then 6-1) before seeing Brocksmith come back to tie it at six. Joe hung in there and had a big take down late in the third before sealing it to advance in the consolation
• Lost to #5 Alex Cuoto (Life) - 11-9 Decision
  • The two traded takedowns through the first half of the match but Cuoto strung together three in a row to take a commanding lead but Lashuay refused to back down and a late take down made the final score of 11-9

Here is what Coach Chris Williamson said about his guy's performances today, "Jeff overcame a lot this year in one of the most difficult years of his life—even though he didn't have the success we were hoping for at the tournament, we're really proud of his efforts and dedication to the goal. I know he's already looking ahead to next season! Sometimes you have to win ugly matches, and that's what Trevor did in round one. Round two he was much more like himself and dominated even after giving up the first takedown. Tomorrow morning will be a huge round for him as he looks to make the semis for the first time. Thade only had one match today and he dominated. He looked razor sharp and explosive. He's got the biggest match of his career in the morning. Let's hope he can keep the train rolling. Joe had a tough draw—opening with a match against a returning All-American. He was looking to make something happen and the end of his first match and ended up getting caught on his back. Joe bounced back and won a close one in the wrestle-backs. His last match was a heartbreaker against the 5-seed (#6 Cuoto, LifeU). After breaking his ankle just a few weeks ago, we weren't sure if he was even going to be able to wrestle again this year, so we're really happy with how he came back and wrestled with a ton of grit and tenacity." 

Day two will begin at 12pm EST back at the Park City Arena with Marsman and Radosa alive in the championship draw.