Five Claim Multiple Victories at Missouri Valley Open

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Marshall, Mo.–The Statesmen wrestling team recorded some form of success at nearly every weight in which it competed as William Penn hit the mat at the Missouri Valley Open Saturday.

133-pounder Darquell Pierre (Jr., St. Petersburg, Fla., Sociology) and 197-pounder Sheldon Rodriguez (Jr., Tampa, Fla., Biology) both reached the placing matches at their respective weights, while three others also had at least two victories in the program’s final tournament before the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship–its national-qualifying event–in two weeks.

Pierre was 3-2 with one fall and one major decision to take fourth, while Rodriguez was also 3-2 (one major decision) to earn fifth place.

Tyshon Cannon (Sr., LaGrange, Ga., Psychology) matched the aforementioned duo with a 3-2 mark at 141 pounds, including two major decisions and one fall, but was one bout away from ending up in the top six.

Johnny Hopper (Sr., Basehor, Kan., Psychology), at 165 pounds, and Austinn Goin (Sr., Belton, Mo., Exercise Science), at 174 pounds, were both 2-2 and finished only one win from placing.

Gerardo Suarez (Jr., Salt Lake City, Utah, Industrial Technology) also pinned one opponent at heavyweight, and Dennis Simmons (Jr., Tucson, Ariz., Sociology) had his hand raised once at 157 pounds.

Next Up: William Penn travels to Hannibal, Mo. next Tuesday to face Hannibal-LaGrange in a non-conference dual meet at 7 p.m.