MW WRESTLING: Gainey still alive after first day at nationals

DES MOINES, Iowa — Minnesota West’s Greg Gainey earned All-American status at the NJCAA Individual Wrestling National Championships on Friday.

But the Bluejays’ wrestler will be looking for a little more today during the semifinals round at 165 pounds.

Gainey (21-7) advanced to the semifinals after posting an 11-0 major decision against Jancel Nunez, of Gloucester County, to become part of the final four in his weight class.

“I’ve been standing in good position and I haven’t exposed myself by getting into bad positions,” said Gainey, who ran his consecutive match winning streak to nine.

Gainey credits his health for his success.

“I’m trying to stay healthy and, I think, that is what is helping me make it through,” Gainey said.

Ryan Zumwalt, of North Idaho, will be Gainey’s semifinal opponent when the national tournament resumes today at the Jacobsen Exhibition Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Gainey won first- and second-round matches to reach the national quarterfinals.

The top eight wrestlers in each of 10 weight classes are granted All-American status.

In the first round, Gainey, a redshirt sophomore, needed 2 minutes, 22 seconds to pin Tyler Cattey, of Northwest Kansas. In the second round, Gainey posted a 5-2 decision against Scott Verner, of Western Wyoming.

At 174 pounds, Minnesota West’s Ben Goodwin did not fare as well.

In the first round, Goodwin (8-10) defeated Cole Schwartz, of Highline, with a 10-6 decision. In the second round, John Barbon, of Niagara County, defeated Goodwin 2-1 on a tiebreaker.

Goodwin was eliminated from the national tournament by Kyle Sweedman, of North Idaho, who blanked the Minnesota West wrestler during an 11-0 major decision in the consolation second round.

“It was a fun experience, even thought it did not turn out the way I wanted it,” Goodwin said. “I feel like I made some rookie mistakes and I can learn from that.”

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