North Carolina State University Athletics
Redshirts & Backups Have Strong Showing at Appalachian State Open
1/26/2015 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Raleigh, N.C. - While NC State was busy beating Kent State 26-13 this past Saturday in Reynolds Coliseum, a large portion of the Pack’s redshirts and back-ups traveled to Boone, N.C., and competed in the Appalachian State Open also on Saturday. Freshmen Sean Fausz (125) and senior Tommy Gantt (165) both won their weight classes, while six other Pack wrestlers finished in the top-four.
Gantt continues to dominate during his redshirt season. Competing in five open tournaments thus far, Gantt has won four and finished third in the other (Southern Scuffle) and has gone a combined 23-1 wrestling between 157 and 165 pounds. Gantt brought home top honors from Appalachian State winning his three bouts by a combined 31-3. His championship win was an 8-2 decision over Duke’s Brian Dorsey, who is ranked 32nd in the first NCAA Coaches’ Panel Rankings.
Fausz also brought home medalist honors, as he captured the crown at 125 pounds recording three major decisions, outscoring his competition 34-6 - with an 8-0 win over UNC’s Tyrone Klump in the title bout.
Heavyweight Mike Kosoy improved his record to 13-7 on the year for the Pack, as he placed second. Kosoy has placed in three of the four tournaments he has wrestled in this year. Redshirt freshman Rodney Shepard also placed second, as he competed at 157 pounds. Shepard is now 10-8 on the season for NC State having seen action in four duals at 149 pounds.
A trio of Pack grapplers brought home third place showings: sophomore Brenden Calas (125), freshman Kevin Jack (141), and freshman Malik McDonald (197). Redshirt sophomore Cohl Fulk placed fourth at 149 pounds.
