Soderblom Places at Luther Open

William Penn University Athletics

Decorah–The William Penn wrestling team picked up some nice wins against top-notch competition at the Luther Open Saturday.

In a meet highlighted by champions at every weight by NCAA Division I #1 Iowa, 197-pounder Kyle Soderblom (Sr., Newton, Iowa, Biology) guided the Statesmen by placing fifth. The senior was 4-2, including two falls and one major decision.

Ishmael Rempson (Sr., Olympia Fields, Ill., Industrial Technology) was also a multiple winner, going 2-2 (one major decision) at 165 pounds. His day opened with back-to-back victories to reach the quarterfinals.

125-pounder Khalil Williams (Fr., Decatur, Ga., Physical Education) won three times (one fall, two medical forfeits) at the Elite division as well. Williams was one win away from placing in the top six, while Rempson was two shy of that mark.

165-pounder Michael Corley (So., Atlanta, Ga., Sociology) and heavyweights Zaid Abdellatif (Fr., Ypsilanti, Mich., Human Services) and Mark Gadson (Fr., Deerfield Beach, Calif., Physical Education) pinned one foe as well. 149-pounders Brad Watson (Jr., Rolla, Mo., Physical Education) and Lane Colwell (Jr., Knoxville, Iowa, Computer Science) also had their hands raised at the Open.

A Silver division was also held for freshmen and Angel Villa (Fr., Deming, N.M., General Accounting) led the way for the navy and gold at 125 pounds. Villa was 3-2 (two falls) to finish fifth. Fellow 125-pounder Bryce Castagna (Fr., Willcox, Ariz., Communications) won by major decision as well.

“This was an extremely strong tournament and we wrestled very well considering the talent,” Head Coach Eric Reed said. “In addition to Iowa, there were several top-ranked teams from Division III.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Minneapolis, Minn. next Saturday to compete in the Augsburg Invitational.