Kearney, Neb. – The 2nd-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team sent 14 individuals to the Cusatis Open Saturday in Hastings and eight placed in the top six.
 
This was the Lopers final open tournament of the season. This weekend, the UNK varsity was at the 34th Annual Virginia Duals.
 
Coming in first was junior Leandro Arias (149 lbs.) and true freshman D'Andre Brumfield (125 lbs.) with true freshman Trey Schlender (184 lbs.) and Trey Trujillo (133 lbs.) each placing second in their respective weight class.
 
Next, junior newcomer Devin Aguirre (165 lbs.) and true freshman Hunter Bamford (133 lbs.) came in third, sophomore Andrew Riedy (141 lbs.) was fifth and freshman A.J. Hurtado (141 lbs.) and Nick Ridgeway (149 lbs.) were sixth.
 
Brumfield (Dallas, Texas) won his second round match by tech fall but needed extra time to win his first round (3-1; SV-1) and finals (9-8; TB-1) matches. At 149 lbs., Arias (Cheyenne, Wyo.) was more dominant, recording three falls to reach the finals where he posted a 13-5 major decision.
 
A few classes higher, Schlender (Kearney H.S.) pinned two opponents in less than a minute and slipped past Bethany's Spender Wilson, 7-6, to reach his first place bout. There, he lost to Randall Null of Northwestern (Ia.).
 
Next, Trujillo (Grand Island H.S.) had a busy day, needing to go 4-0 to reach the 133 lbs. finals. Along the way, he posted three falls and a major decision. However, UNL's Eric Montoya beat him for first place.
 
At this same weight, Bamford (Kearney H.S.) won five times, including four by fall, and was beaten by Montoya in the semifinals.
 
Finally, Aguirre (Ponca City, Okla.) also had five wins after a second round setback. His day included two falls and a major decision. At Labette C.C. (Kans.), Aguirre won two individuals national titles (157 & 165 lbs.) in helping the Cardinals take the 2012 team title outright and share last year's trophy with North Idaho.
 
The Loper varsity hosts the 1st Annual Midwest Duals next Saturday at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.