CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – The College at Brockport Wrestling program sent three individuals to the NCAA National Championships for the two day tournament. The Golden Eagles included Jeff Palmeri, Eric Velez and Asher Kramer.
Palmeri needed a victory to move into the championship bracket, as he was on the outside looking in. He dominated his preliminary match scoring a tech fall 16-0 victory in the third period to earn a spot in the Championship bracket and also into first place in the country with the most tech falls amongst Division III wrestlers. After Palmeri's victory in the preliminary round, he scored a 6-2 decision win over Rhode Island's Brandon Conrad. He fell against the No. 1 seed Riley Lefever of Wabash during the first period, however his third victory of the day in the consolation bracket assured him All-American status. He scored a close 5-3 decision over William Gockel-Figge of NYU. Palmeri finished eighth overall in the tournament after two major decision losses during day two.
Velez's incredible season continued, as the senior channeled his energy in the third period overcoming a deficit for a 9-5 decision victory against No. 1 seed Connor Campo of Wartburg. After a long break between matches, Velez and Wabash's Devin Broukal were unable to secure a victory in regulation, needing extra time tied up 4-all. Velez unfortunately finished on the wrong side of Broukal's sudden victory. He was pinned in the consolation bracket during the third period of his match against Rome Riley of Alma College.
Kramer nearly overcame a 5-1 deficit heading into the third period with an escape and takedown, almost evening the score at 5-4 but three unanswered points pushed the score out of reach. Kramer dropped the match by an 8-4 decision. Kramer's season came to an end after coming up short in a 9-6 decision during his second match of the day.
Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle offseason news and accolades by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the "Brockport Golden Eagles" Facebook page. Wrestling fans are encouraged to like "The College at Brockport Wrestling" Facebook page for a more inclusive look at the program.
