Benjamin, Van Wagoner Win Twice at Grand View Open

William Penn University Athletics

Des Moines–With the field packed with stellar competition, positive results were few as the Statesmen wrestling program hit the mat at the Grand View Open Saturday.

Saturday’s event included a plethora of wrestlers from several NCAA Division I schools in addition to the entire lineup for the NAIA’s #1 team Grand View.

133-pounder Eric Van Wagoner (Fr., Portland, Ore., Westview HS) and 141-pounder Charlton Benjamin (Fr., Atlanta, Ga., Miller Grove HS) were the most successful Statesmen on the day as each went 2-2 with two falls.

Benjamin won his first two matches to reach the quarterfinals before ending his tournament in the consolation bracket.

Six other William Penn grapplers had their hands raised, including five who won by fall.

That ‘fall’ list included Marshawn Lacy (Fr., Chicago Heights, Ill., Rich East HS) at 141 pounds, Ishmael Rempson (Fr., Olympia Fields, Ill., Rich Central HS) at 157 pounds, Chris Diaz (Sr., Montrose, Colo., Olathe HS) at 197 pounds, and Nathan Veverka (So., Montezuma, Iowa Central CC) and Nathan Craig (Sr., Yale, Iowa Central CC), both at heavyweight.

Rempson placed sixth, while Christian Padilla (Fr., Tampa, Fla., Robinson HS) was fifth at 157 pounds with one win (two defaults).

Next: The Statesmen host Missouri Valley Tuesday in dual-meet action at 7 p.m.