Padilla advances in NCAA Division III Upper Midwest Regionals

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Marco Padilla split a pair of matches to advance to Saturday at the NCAA Division III Upper Midwest Wrestling Regionals inside the McPhee Center.

The 125-pounder received a first-round bye before dropping his first match by a 15-0 technical fall against Victor Gilva (Augsburg). The Elmwood Park, Ill., native responded by defeating David Traub (Chicago) by a 7-4 decision to advance to the second day of the regional tournament. If he finishes in the top three he will earn a bid to the NCAA Division III Championship.

Senior Miguel Angel Betancourt (El Paso, Texas) picked up a 10-3 decision win over Andrew Harrell (Wheaton) at 149 pounds, while senior Eric Martinson (Milwaukee, Wis.) earned an 8-3 decision victory against Caele Manley (Wheaton) at 157 pounds.

Junior Alex Montbriand (Bartlett, Ill.) recorded a win by fall in two minutes and 42 seconds against Daniel Gainer (St. John's) to begin his day.

Wrestling on Saturday begins at 9 am and fans can follow by visiting trackwrestling.com.