Padilla, O'Donnell still alive at Upper Midwest Regionals

MINNEAPOLIS -- Concordia Wisconsin's Marco Padilla and Merrick O'Donnell are still alive in the difficult NCAA Division III Upper Midwest Regional after both find themselves competing for one of three spots to advance to the NCAA Division III Championship.

Padilla (sophomore, Elmwood Park, Ill.) received a bye in the first round before losing a 9-3 decision to Anthony Zamora (Wheaton) in the quarterfinals. He responded with an 11-3 major decision win against Eric English (Elmhurst) in round two of the consolation side of the bracket. The 125-pounder is scheduled to face off against Sawyer Sarbacker (UW-La Crosse) on Saturday.

O'Donnell (Huntington Beach, Calif.) went 2-1 on the day and is still alive at 184 pounds. After getting pinned in 1:21 against Tanner Vassar (Augsburg) he responded with an 8-3 decision victory over Ayden Friese (Concordia Moorehead). The junior then had a 9-4 decision win against Ryan Vedner (UW-Whitewater).

Freshman Gabe Rodriguez (Las Vegas, Nev.) defeated Josiah Lynden (UW-Whitewater) by an 8-4 decision in the consolation's first round at 133 pounds.

Freshman Carson Cook (Las Vegas, Nev.) recorded an 8-3 decision victory over Bryant Ridgway (St. Olaf) at 157 pounds in the consolation round one.

Sophomore Cameron Caldwell (Adams-Friendship, Wis.) posted a pair of victories but also lost twice to end his season. He defeated Nick Rapp (MSOE) by fall in four minutes and 29 seconds to begin his day. The 165-pounder also had a 16-6 major decision win over David Aragon (Lakeland) in the consolation side of the bracket.

Senior Isiah Schultz (Lake Station, Ind.) posted a win by fall in three minutes and 33 seconds over Roberto Pena (Elmhurst) at 285 pounds.

The second day of the NCAA Division III Upper Midwest Regionals is scheduled to begin at 11 am on the campus of Augsburg University.