Grand Canyon University Athletics
Contreras 2nd, Porter, Cooper 3rd at Embry Riddle Open
11/16/2008 10:24:16 AM | Wrestling
PRESCOTT -- Alex Contreras may have the most technical gifts for anyone who dons a Purple & Black singlet on the mat this year.
Sunday, he did his part in trying to justify that as the 125-pound Grand Canyon University wrestler took second at the Embry Riddle Open. Contreras won two of his three matches, losing in the championship to an unattached Arizona State Ben Ashmore by technical fall, 15-0.
Grand Canyon teammate Jack Porter reversed his fortunes from earlier in the year -- and the day for that matter -- beating two wrestlers he'd lost to previously to finish third at 165. Porter decisioned Michael Larkin, an unattached Cal State Fullerton product, 3-2 in the third place bout.
Wrestling unattached for GCU, Victor Carazo placed second at 174, and Richard Hernandez second at 285.
GCU's Bryan Cooper (pictured) was third at 197, beating unattached teammate Marcos Escalante, 6-5.
"The biggest thing is getting these guys a lot of early season matches," said Grand Canyon coach R.C. LaHaye, who is encouraged by his team's growth, even from a night earlier. "These guys are getting better every day."
Grand Canyon wrestles at the Cal State Fullerton Open this Sunday.
