The University of Michigan wrestling team finished second at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, marking its highest placement at the event in eight years. The competition was held Saturday at the Westgate Hotel Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Five Michigan wrestlers reached the podium, with four placing in the top four of their respective weight classes. Redshirt freshman Brock Mantanona led the team with a runner-up finish at 184 pounds. In the championship match, Mantanona lost 5-0 to James Conway of Franklin and Marshall. Mantanona, who was seeded first and ranked seventh nationally, had earlier secured an 18-5 major decision over Brian Soldano of Oklahoma in the semifinals. He now holds a season record of 9-2.
Redshirt sophomore Beau Mantanona and graduate student Taye Ghadiali each claimed third place finishes at 174 pounds and heavyweight, respectively. Beau Mantanona avenged his only loss in the medal round by defeating Moses Espinoza-Owens of South Dakota State 6-3 and posted two pins during the tournament. His season record stands at 10-3.
Ghadiali, seeded second and ranked fifth nationally, concluded his tournament with an 8-2 win against David Szuba of Arizona State for third place. Ghadiali earned bonus points in both morning matches and improved to an 11-2 record this season.
Redshirt freshman Cameron Catrabone placed fourth at 157 pounds after earning two bonus wins during wrestleback rounds, including a pin over Stoney Buell of Purdue. Graduate student Diego Sotelo finished seventh at 125 pounds following a technical fall victory against Suleyman Bah of Columbia.
Michigan’s strong performance included an 8-1 run with eight bonus wins in Saturday’s morning session that helped them move from fifth to second place overall.
Iowa State won the tournament with a score of 183.5 points, while Michigan followed with 99 points. Other teams rounding out the top five were Stanford (97.5), West Virginia (97), and Arizona State (92).
The Wolverines will take several weeks off from competition for training and holidays before sending athletes to compete at the Kent State Open on December 20 in Kent, Ohio, and at the Midlands Championships on December 29–30 in Evanston, Illinois. The team will return home to face Michigan State on January 9 for their Big Ten Conference opener at Crisler Center.
“We are proud of our wrestlers’ efforts this weekend,” said head coach Sean Bormet. “Our team showed resilience and determination throughout the tournament.”
Tickets for upcoming home events are available through the U-M Ticket Office.