In what has been a banner year for all of UB Wrestling, Justin Patrick capped off his own impressive redshirt campaign in style with a championship win at the National Collegiate Open. The National Collegiate Open is considered the post season for most redshirting wrestlers and is one of the largest and most prestigious open tournaments in the nation.
Patrick entered the tournament alongside teammates Keagan Harris, Ryan Therrien and Nolan Terrance. Terrance and Therrien won a match apiece before bowing out of the tournament. Patrick earned a 8-5 quarterfinal decision over Mitch Brown of Utah Valley. He then earned a 7-6 semifinal decision victory over Zeke Beatty of D-II powerhouse Pitt-Johnstown to face Steve Simpson of Old Dominion.
Patrick used a late escape against Simpson to hand the Old Dominion freshman his 3rd loss of the season in an 8-7 decision to claim the title, his 3rd open championship of the season. Patrick was the first UB grappler to earn All-American status at the NCO since Mark Lewandowski placed 6th at 157 pounds; he's also UB's first ever champion at the event.
The Pittsburgh native finished off his redshirt campaign 28-6, to lead all UB wrestlers in wins.
Congratulations to Justin on an excellent season!
