STORM LAKE, Iowa (December 11, 2021) - The Buena Vista University wrestling team hosted the annual BVU Open on Saturday inside of the Lamberti Recreation Center on the BVU campus.  The Beavers had five individuals finish in the top-3 of their weight classes, including junior 165-pounder Garret Bruce who was the lone champion.

Bruce was dominant on the day by winning all three of his matches by fall in the first period, including his championship bout that came over Simpson College's Jakob Slavin in 1:32.  Diego Escarcega (184) was runner-up after going 3-2 on the day, including three pins.  The first of those came in 36 seconds.

Brandon Foster (125), Caleb Massari (133) and Isaiah Schannep (149) each took third for the Beavers while Jacob Hanssen placed fourth.  Foster began his day with a quick first period fall before advancing into the semifinals with a heard-fought 4-2 decision.  His only loss of the day was a heartbreaking 4-2 loss in sudden victory to Morningside's Benjamin Schmitz.  He bounced back in his first consolation match with a 5-3 decision over fellow teammate Byron Fleming.

Schannep also began his day with a first period pin and then advanced to the semifinals with a 5-1 decision over Minnesota State's Jerez Autridge.  His only setback was a 4-1 loss to Morningside's John Diener.

Six teams and nearly 100 wrestlers took part in the event with no team scores being kept.

Buena Vista is next scheduled to compete at the Desert Duals on December 19 out in Las Vegas, Nev.