Indiana University’s wrestling team finished the first day of the 61st annual Ken Kraft Midlands Championships with four wrestlers advancing to the semifinals in their respective weight classes. The event took place Monday in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
Twenty Indiana wrestlers entered the tournament, and nine remain after the opening day. Semifinalists for Indiana include Harry Porter (141 lbs.), Bryce Lowery (157 lbs.), Derek Gilcher (174 lbs.), and Gabe Sollars (197 lbs.). Indiana is currently in third place with 49.0 team points, trailing Bucknell and Pittsburgh.
Key performances included Henry Porter defeating Aiden Simmons by fall to move into the semifinals at 141 pounds. Bryce Lowery advanced at 157 pounds after a major decision win over Anthony Berg, 15-2. Derek Gilcher reached the semifinals at 174 pounds with an 11-3 major decision against Graham Gambrall. At 197 pounds, Gabe Sollars secured his semifinal spot by beating Brockton Borelli in a major decision, 14-2.
Additional highlights from day one saw Joey Buttler reach the quarterfinals, resulting in five Hoosiers making it that far. Seven Indiana wrestlers are still active in either championship or consolation brackets; Roman Rogotzke, Chris Crawford, and Buttler continue through wrestlebacks. Sollars is making his second consecutive appearance in the Midlands semifinals.
After day one of competition, Indiana stands third in team scoring behind Bucknell (55 points) and Pittsburgh (53 points). The team will compete again on Tuesday for sessions beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET and concluding at 5 p.m. ET.