DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - For the second consecutive year, the fifth-ranked Loras wrestling team finished second at the 2018 NCAA Division III Wrestling Lower Midwest Regional at the Five Flags Center. Juniors
Kevin Kelly and
Quin Gilliam were crowned regional champions, with Kelly being named Outstanding Wrestler at 141#.
NATIONAL QUALIFIERS
Kevin Kelly | 141# | Outstanding Wrestler | Regional Champion
In Sunday's semifinal, Kelly went toe-to-toe with top-ranked Josh Martin of Cornell, who entered the weekend undefeated. Kelly conceded the first takedown but proceeded to score four takedowns of his own, pulling the upset on his way to the regional final. Kelly sealed his fate as the Outstanding Wrestler with a 3-2 decision over No. 9 Chris Williams of Millikin.
Quin Gilliam | 285# | Regional Champion
Gilliam opened with a 5-2 win over Emonte Logan of North Central. The two heavyweights battled with a qualifying trip to nationals on the line. Gilliam's second period takedown helped open a gap which was secured with an escape and riding time which advanced him to the finals. After Tyler Ortmann pulled the upset over top-ranked Lance Evans of Wartburg, Gilliam won his fifth consecutive match over Ortmann, this time in sudden victory as Gilliam scored a takedown for his first regional championship. Gilliam is now a two-time national qualifier.
Jimmy Davis | 149# | 2nd Place | National Qualifier
Davis needed plenty of firepower in his semifinal against Levi Azinger of Coe, winning by decision 18-15. Ten of Davis' 18 points came in the third period alone via two takedowns, two escapes and a four-point near fall. With his trip to Cleveland already secured, Davis conceded in the regional final by medical forfeit to Wartburg's Cross Cannone. Davis is now a two-time national qualifier.
Guy Patron Jr. | 197# | 2nd Place | National Qualifier
For the first time at the regional, Patron Jr. did not end a match early, needed all seven minutes to secure his win by decision over DC Scott of Simpson in the semifinals, 9-3. For the fifth time in their careers, Patron Jr. and Fank met on the mat, this time for the regional title. In a battle of No. 2 versus No. 3, it was Fank who prevailed, winning by decision, 6-1.
PLACERS
Matt Randone | 125# | 5th Place
Michael Triplett | 125# | 4th Place
Merrick Purcell | 157# | 5th Place
Eddie Smith | 165# | 5th Place
Sam Schuler | 174# | 4th Place
Awais Arain | 184# | 4th Place
UP NEXT
Loras' four national qualifiers travel to Cleveland, Ohio to compete inside the Cleveland Public Auditorium for the 2018 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. Brackets for the tournament will be released on Monday, March 5.
