GRANTHAM, Pa., December 2, 2006 - Springfield College had four of its wrestlers finish second in their respective weight classes as the Pride compiled a total of 121.5 team points to capture third place at this weekend's Petrofes Invitational hosted by Messiah College.

Heidelberg won the team title, compiling a two-day total of 173 team points. SUNY Brockport finished second with 144 points, Bridgewater State placed in fourth overall with 109 total team points, and Muhlenberg rounded out the top five with 97.5 points.

SC senior captain Mike Gaeta (Manalapan, N.J.) finished second overall in the 141-pound weight class, falling in the finals to Muhlenberg's Rob Kein in a close, 7-6 decision. Junior Chris DeBlock (Sparta, N.J.) also put up a strong showing this weekend, finishing second in the 149-pound division.

Pride junior Jake Tyler (Gouverneur, N.Y.) registered a solid weekend with a second-place finish at 165 pounds, and junior Elliott Smith (Richville, N.Y.) also brought home a second-place performance in the 184-pound weight class.

Another notable performance for SC came from senior Ryan Hannigan (Wyantskill, N.Y.), who came into the weekend ranked sixth for the tournament at 125 pounds and finished third.

The Pride will next host WPI in a dual-meet on Wednesday evening, December 6th, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Blake Arena.

published: 12/02/2006