DANVILLE, Virginia -- WVU Tech wrestling competed at the Cougar Open hosted by Averett College Sunday where two Golden Bears ended fifth in their weight classes.

In his collegiate debut, freshman Zach Mullins was 5-1, including four wins by fall, at 133 lbs. to finish fifth in a field of 27 grapplers. The Alderson, West Virginia native started off downing Israel Schultz of St. Andrews University at 1:43. The next fall was over Emory & Henry's Jonathan Almany at 3:59. Mullins also battled to falls over Washington & Lee's Brad Singer (5:37) and Roanoke College's Corey Messick (3:36) which moved him into the fifth place bout he won by forfeit. The freshman dropped his second match-up of the day to Sean Rinebolt of Shenandoah University by technical fall (18-0). 

Also placing fifth was senior Drake De La Cruz at 174 lbs. who finished 4-1 Sunday. De La Cruz, who hails from Long Beach, California, started the day off with a 10-5 decision over Marymount's Xavery Washington. He was then dealt his only loss of the day, falling to Tommy Waldin of Averett by an 8-5 decision. The next three went to the senior with a 13-8 decision over Michael Gabbard (Averett) followed by a fall (1:51) over Roanoke's Steven Martinos. The fifth place match was decided 14-12 against Shenandoah's Dylan Weaver.

Freshman John Grundmeyer (Norco, California) wrestled at 157 lbs. and earned a W over Allen University's Moise Toussain with an 8-1 decision.

Fellow classmate Maxwell Underwood (Oak Hill, West Virginia) earned two victories at 184 lbs., defeating Ethan Doctor of Garrett College 7-1 and pinning Averett's Carter Erickson at 4:26.

The Golden Bears will next be in action Sunday, November 20 when they travel to Salem, Virginia for the Star City Classic presented by the United States Marine Corp.
 

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