Martinez Qualifies at Central Invite

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–Make it a full dozen for the Statesmen wrestling team as Anthony Martinez (Fr., Phoenix, Ariz., Desert Vista HS) had a great day to pace the navy and gold at the Central Invitational Saturday.

Martinez went 4-2 with one fall to reach the consolation semifinals at 165 pounds. By placing in the top six in his 20-man bracket, he becomes William Penn’s 12th national qualifier.

Martinez lost his first match, but then had his hand raised four straight times to reach the qualifying standard.

141-pounder Tyler Schneider (So., Belleville, Mich., Belleville HS) matched Martinez with four wins (4-2). The sophomore claimed one win by technical fall and another by major decision.

Carey Cloud (Fr., Havelock, N.C., Tucker HS) was next in line with a 3-2 mark (one major decision) at 149 pounds, while 157-pounder Ishmael Rempson (Fr., Olympia Fields, Ill., Rich Central HS) and 184-pounder Kyle Soderblom (Fr., Newton, Lynnville-Sully HS) both finished 2-2 to place fourth (both have already qualified for nationals). Rempson pinned one foe, while Soderblom tallied one fall and one major decision.

Marshawn Lacy (Fr., Chicago Heights, Ill., Rich East HS), at 141 pounds, and Joe Sumer (So., Delaware, Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes HS), at 174 pounds, both had a fall on Saturday, while Nathan Craig (Sr., Yale, Iowa Central CC) defeated an opponent by major decision at heavyweight.

Next: The Statesmen travel to Des Moines Tuesday to face #1 Grand View in dual action at 7 p.m.