Kearney, Neb. – The 3rd-ranked Nebraska-Kearney dominated the York College Open Saturday by having 11 individuals place in the top four, including five first or second place finishers.
 
The small, non-team scoring event also featured Fort Hays State and area NAIA schools.
 
Taking the top spot in their respective weight class were seniors Mark Fiala (184 lbs.) and Brock Smith (165 lbs.), junior Leandro Arias (149 lbs.) and sophomores Chase White (157 lbs.) and Connor Bolling (125 lbs.).
 
Coming in second was sophomore Colton Johnson (157 lbs.) with junior Tyler Anderson (149 lbs.) and true freshman Trey Trujillo (133 lbs.) placing third. Finally, junior Matt Oliver (157 lbs.), sophomore Ryan Bauer (133 lbs.) and true freshman A.J. Hurtado (141 lbs.) were fourth.
 
Having 15 falls as a team, UNK saw the eighth-ranked Fiala (Seward) go 3-0 on the day, slipping past Grand View's Justin Koethe, 7-2, in the second sudden victory period to take the gold.
 
Smith (Gering) also had three wins, recording a fall at 6:57 in the semis and having a 16-1 tech fall in the quarters. Next, Arias (Cheyenne, Wyo.) had two falls and a major to win at 149 lbs. with the third-ranked White (Lincoln) needing just two wins to finish first a class higher.
 
Finally, Bolling (Central City) had an 18-2 tech fall to reach the 125 lbs. finals but needed extra time to beat York's Oscar Marin, 3-1, to finish first. Marin is ranked ninth in the latest NAIA national rankings.
 
Among other Lopers, Trujillo (Grand Island) went 5-1 with two falls with Anderson (Clay Center, Kans.) also having five victories, all by decision, to take the bronze at 149 lbs.
 
UNK doesn't hit the mats again until facing the Midland Warriors in a dual on January 3rd in Fremont. The next day, the Lopers stay to take part in the Midland Open.

Several Kearney wrestlers are scheduled to compete – unattached – at the prestigious Midlands Championships at Northwestern on December 29-30.