Ambrocio wins three matches at NCAA Nationals

LA CROSSE, Wis. - Wrestling at the NCAA Div. III National Championships as a freshman, Sean Ambrocio (San Antonio, Texas) went 3-2 during the tournament's first day at the La Crosse Center on Friday.

The 125-pounder was one win away from being crowned as an NCAA All-American, but was eliminated via a 9-0 major decision at the hands of Paul Bewak of Johns Hopkins (Maryland).

Ambrocio finished his first season at CUW with a 35-18 overall record.

"Sean had an outstanding run at nationals, and I am very proud of his accomplishments this season," head coach Bret Corner emphasized. "He proved that he can compete against national competition. He took it to another level today."

In the first round, Ambrocio defeated Robert Bidlingmaier of Olivet College (Mich.) via a 6-1 decision, before falling out of the championship bracket at the hands of 4th-seeded Riki Reynolds of Mount Union (Ohio), who advanced via fall.

Ambrocio bounced back nicely in the consolation bracket, however, picking up a pin at 1:56 to eliminate Tyler Marlow of Brockport State (New York).

He then won a thrilling 3-2 decision over 5th-seeded Daniel Mendoza of Luther College (a two-time national qualifier), before falling to Bewak.

Against Bidlingmaier, both wrestlers spent the early stages in scrambling situations before Ambrocio picked up a takedown late in the first period.

The CUW freshman would go on to score another takedown, along with a reversal, in the second period to advance.

In his second victory, Ambrocio fell behind early after Marlow scored an early takedown, but regrouped and put the Brockport standout on his back to stay alive.

Against Mendoza, Ambrocio came away with a hard-fought victory after both wrestlers displayed great defensive technique.