Michigan State University
Michigan State Open
Michigan State Open Wraps Up Sunday
11/9/2003 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 9, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Six Michigan State wrestlers finished among the top-eight placewinners as State hosted the Michigan State Open in East Lansing, Nov. 8-9. The Spartans' Darren McNight (149), Joe Williams (174) and Nate Mesyn (184) took fourth in their weight classes, while Anton Hall and Andy Simmons finished fifth at 174 and 141, respectively. Competition in the event, which featured more than 400 wrestlers from 29 schools, ended Sunday.
"The MSU Open has evolved into one of the premier early season tournaments in the country," said head coach Tom Minkel. "This year, we had more than 400 wrestlers competing and competition was fierce. That's why we do this every year; it's a good yardstick for us to measure against and it brings a first-class event to campus."
Williams, a freshman, took fourth after losing 8-3 to Central Michigan's Kevin Carr in the consolation championships. "I'm particularly pleased with Joe. He had an outstanding tournament for his first collegiate competition," said Minkel. State's Hall forfeited to Carr, in the semifinals, which allowed the CMU-MSU matchup at 174. Hall went on to defeat Ed Willis from Ohio University, 6-4, and claimed fifth place.
McNight defeated Anthony Constantino from Columbia University, 6-4 to move into the consolation championship. McNight then lost to Eric Tannenbaum, 6-0, taking fourth place.
At 184 Mesyn lost to Wisconsin's Ryan Flaherty by injury default in the consolation championships, taking fourth place overall. Simmons, in the 141-weight class, fell to Pittsburgh's Ronald Tarquinio, 3-1, for the right to wrestle in the consolation championships. However, Simmons defeated Northern Illinois freshman Mike Grimes, 1-0, and finished fifth.
At 285, Max Lossen and Mike Keenan took sixth and seventh, respectively. Lossen defeated Eastern Illinois junior Pete Ziminski, 3-0 to claim fifth place, while Keenana beat Isreal Keenana from Northern Idaho College, 8-1, for seventh.
"McNight, Hall, Mesyn and Lossen all had particularly good tournaments," said Minkel. "We'll build upon what we've started and face Oklahoma State on Sunday."
Michigan's 133-pounder, Jose Chaurella, was named the Open's Outstanding Wrestler, while Virginia's Scott Moore (141) posted the most falls in the two-day event. Complete results from the 2003 Michigan State Open are available as a PDF at http://www.msuspartans.com.
The Spartans host Oklahoma State Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. in Jenison Field House, MSU's first dual meet competition of the season. Prior to that meet, Oklahoma State opens its season against Tennessee-Chattanooga Friday, Nov. 14 in Stillwater, Okla.
