NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Elmhurst University men's wrestling team turned in a strong all-around performance at the 61st Annual North Central College Invitational, highlighted by multiple deep bracket runs, bonus-point victories, and a championship effort at 157 pounds.
Junior Rhenzo Augusto led the way for the Bluejays at 157 pounds, putting together an outstanding tournament en route to the individual title. Augusto opened with a 4–2 decision before ripping off a 19–4 technical fall and a first-period fall, later adding a decisive win over Augsburg's Cole Dummer to secure the championship. His run featured a blend of control and explosiveness, capping a dominant showing against a deep field.
At 149 pounds, sophomore Ryan Hinger battled through a loaded bracket and earned several notable victories, including a pair of technical falls and a sudden-victory decision over North Central's Tyler Starr. Hinger's ability to generate offense late in matches stood out as he consistently scored bonus points against quality opposition.
Elmhurst also saw solid performances at the lower weights. Juan Villa competed at 125 pounds, earning a quick pin in 22 seconds during his run, while Alejandro Cordova added a win by decision in a competitive bracket. At 133, Donovin Fields picked up multiple victories, including a technical fall, showing continued progress against regional opponents.
In the middle weights, Nicholas Asllani delivered one of the most impressive bonus-point stretches of the tournament at 165 pounds, recording multiple technical falls and a first-period pin to advance deep into the bracket. Charles Gross also chipped in key wins, including a technical fall, as Elmhurst stacked points throughout the session.
At 174 pounds, the Bluejays were represented by Corey Bradley and Maximus Comas, both of whom collected wins in tightly contested matches. Comas added a technical fall during his run, while Bradley earned multiple decisions against tough competition.
Elmhurst rounded out its effort at 184, 197, and 285, gaining valuable mat time against nationally diverse opponents and continuing to build momentum as the season progresses.
The Bluejays' showing at North Central leveled the program's growing depth across the lineup, with championship-level performances at the top and meaningful contributions throughout the roster as Elmhurst moves forward in its winter schedule.
