The Harper College wrestling team competed at the 11th Annual UW-Oshkosh Dan Gable Wrestling Open over the weekend. Two Hawks – Jake Bellis (125 pounds) and Blake Santi (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) (149 pounds) – were individual champions at the meet.
Bellis captured an individual title with a perfect 3-0 record on the day. He defeated Calumet College's Robert Chicvara by fall in 28 seconds to advance to the semifinals. In the semis, he bested North Dakota State's Tirso Lara 15-4. Bellis took down his own teammate Tanis Arcos by pin in the final.
Santi, who has moved up from 141 pounds to wrestle at 149 this year, went 3-0 on the day as well. He pinned UW-Oshkosh's Jerome Scott in the opening match and followed it up with a 7-0 victory over Calumet College's Andrew Kepchar in the semis. Santi earned a convincing 6-0 decision over North Dakota State's Alex Blaney in the final.
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Other notable Harper wrestlers from the Dan Gable Wrestling Open:
Greshman Henderson (141 pounds)-Lost his first match but bounced back with three straight victories followed by a loss. He then defeated teammate Blake Tisza (/Thornton Fractional South) for fifth place.
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Dan Roach (141 pounds)-Lost his first match but earned two victories later in the day.
Michael Romanelli (184 pounds)-Despite losing first match, rebounded with three straight wins before losing final match.
The Hawks return to action this upcoming Saturday at the Coe College Invite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
