University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Tuesday, January 1
Chattanooga, Tenn.
All Day
University of Northern Colorado
vs
Southern Scuffle
Photo by: Sam Janicki
Montoya Makes History, Seely Places at the Southern Scuffle
1/2/2019 7:48:00 PM | Wrestling
Rico Montoya placed second and Jacob Seely placed 5th for Northern Colorado
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.- The New Year has started well for Northern Colorado wrestling, as Rico Montoya placed second at the 2019 Southern Scuffle. Montoya became the highest placer in program history at the Scuffle, surpassing his own fourth place finish last season. Jacob Seely placed fifth at the Scuffle to give UNC two placers for the third consecutive season.
"RIco made history for us today making the finals," head coach Troy Nickerson said. "Although he came up short in the finals, he has continued to make improvements and will continue to evolve as the season progresses."
Montoya started the day in the semifinal round against Iowa State's Alex Mackall. The match was scoreless after two periods but Montoya broke through in the third. After getting an escape to open the period, Montoya had a takedown over Mackall to lead 3-0 and added on riding time to win 4-0 by decision.
In the finals of the 125 lb weight class, Montoya faced Oklahoma State's Nick Piccininni for the second time in a month. Piccininni had an early 2-0 lead after a takedown of Montoya in the first period. In the second period, Piccininni added a reversal and a two-point, nearfall to lead 6-0. Montoya managed a takedown in the third period enough but could not get anything more, dropping the bout 7-2 by decision. Despite the loss, Montoya placed second in the bracket.
Seely looked to get on the podium stand on Wednesday and wrestled in the consolation bracket round of four against Appalachian State's Randall Diabe. Seely started strong with a fall over Diabe at 2:00 to advance to the consolation semifinals. Next up for Seely was Tom Sleigh from Virginia, who managed to top Seely 3-1 by decision. Seely would wrestle for fifth place against Dylan Reynolds and Seely in control of the match from the start. An early takedown gave Seely the lead and he added two more, along with riding time and two penalties on Reynolds to win a 9-0 major decision. Seely placed fifth in the 197 lb bracket for his first podium at the Scuffle.
"Jacob finished strong and had his best showing ever out here," Nickerson said of Seely.
Dalton Robertson competed in the consolation round of eight, No. 2, and wrestled against Lehigh's Chirs Weiler. Robertson would drop the match to Weiler 16-4 by major decision.
As a team, Northern Colorado also had its best performance at the Scuffle, placing 11th after tying for 12th last season. UNC finished with 45.5 points, narrowly missing least seasons total of 46 points.
"We look forward to coming home and continuing this momentum next week versus Oregon State." Nickerson added.
Next Up
Northern Colorado will return to Bank of Colorado Arena to host Oregon State on Friday, January 11th at 7 pm(MST).
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"RIco made history for us today making the finals," head coach Troy Nickerson said. "Although he came up short in the finals, he has continued to make improvements and will continue to evolve as the season progresses."
Montoya started the day in the semifinal round against Iowa State's Alex Mackall. The match was scoreless after two periods but Montoya broke through in the third. After getting an escape to open the period, Montoya had a takedown over Mackall to lead 3-0 and added on riding time to win 4-0 by decision.
In the finals of the 125 lb weight class, Montoya faced Oklahoma State's Nick Piccininni for the second time in a month. Piccininni had an early 2-0 lead after a takedown of Montoya in the first period. In the second period, Piccininni added a reversal and a two-point, nearfall to lead 6-0. Montoya managed a takedown in the third period enough but could not get anything more, dropping the bout 7-2 by decision. Despite the loss, Montoya placed second in the bracket.
Seely looked to get on the podium stand on Wednesday and wrestled in the consolation bracket round of four against Appalachian State's Randall Diabe. Seely started strong with a fall over Diabe at 2:00 to advance to the consolation semifinals. Next up for Seely was Tom Sleigh from Virginia, who managed to top Seely 3-1 by decision. Seely would wrestle for fifth place against Dylan Reynolds and Seely in control of the match from the start. An early takedown gave Seely the lead and he added two more, along with riding time and two penalties on Reynolds to win a 9-0 major decision. Seely placed fifth in the 197 lb bracket for his first podium at the Scuffle.
"Jacob finished strong and had his best showing ever out here," Nickerson said of Seely.
Dalton Robertson competed in the consolation round of eight, No. 2, and wrestled against Lehigh's Chirs Weiler. Robertson would drop the match to Weiler 16-4 by major decision.
As a team, Northern Colorado also had its best performance at the Scuffle, placing 11th after tying for 12th last season. UNC finished with 45.5 points, narrowly missing least seasons total of 46 points.
"We look forward to coming home and continuing this momentum next week versus Oregon State." Nickerson added.
Next Up
Northern Colorado will return to Bank of Colorado Arena to host Oregon State on Friday, January 11th at 7 pm(MST).
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