Pratt Community College wrestling ended their open season by traveling to Crete, Neb. for the Doane University Open. The Beavers faced strong competition from wrestlers from the NJCAA level all the way to NCAA Division I.

The 125 lbs. class saw two wrestlers for the Blue and White place in the top five of the open.  Brayan Balderrama made it to the semi-finals before dropping a close match to Anthony Pisciotta from NCAA Division II Maryville University. Balderrama had a late takedown with 15 seconds left and was reversed to his back in the closing seconds of the semi-finals. He dropped his next match in the consolation bracket and ended the day with a convincing win to take fifth place for the tournament.

Dallas Wilson suffered a loss in the first round to a RS-Sr. Mitch Maginnis from the University of Nebraska. Wilson plowed his way through the consolation bracket going 5-1 on the day for fourth place (tie for third) due to the six match per day limit.

In the 141 lbs. class Kevin Kissane takes second place in the open after his late comeback was stopped in his finals match 13-7. On his way to second place, Kissane took out NCAA Division 2 Starter for University of Nebraska Kearney Tevin Briscoe.

Rounding out the tournament for the Beavers at 149 was Dalton Hensley. Hensley made it all the way to the quarterfinal before dropping a close and hard fought match to Colby Johnson of Baker University, who is ranked #14 in NAIA. Hensley dropped his next bout to go 3-2 on the day.

"This tournament was a tough one and we performed well," PCC wrestling Coach Ken Kepley said. "We are maturing and making strides towards wrestling a dominant style. The great part about this entire open season process is that the team is having fun and building together. They may be competing for a starting spot by performing against others and building a resume, but at the same time, they are figuring it out and that is what is most important right now. It is finals week, and we need to finish strong in the classroom. The focus is on our studies before the deserving break. I cannot wait to get back to work after the holiday break." 

PCC wrestling returns to action after the New Year with the Cougar Duals in Great Bend, Kan. on Jan. 16. The dual against Barton Community College is set for 7 p.m.