University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Claim Five Titles at Cobber Open
11/24/2014 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
A contingent of 17 Gophers competed unattached in the Finn Grinaker Open, also affectionately known as the Cobber Open, last Saturday in Moorhead, Minn. Five of these wrestlers claimed titles at the event: Ethan Lizak (125), Ben Morgan (133), Tommy Thorn (141), Brandon Krone (165) and Jordon Rothers (174). Seven of their teammates placed among the top-six at the event as well, including three wrestlers placing at 157. A full listing of participants and how they placed at the tournament appears below.
Lizak looked particularly strong at 125, winning two of his four matches by technical fall, and taking a third by major decision. This is Lizak's first career title, though he has placed in the top-five at all four of the open tournaments in which he's competed to-date.
Morgan, who is redshirting following his transfer to Minnesota from Nebraska this season, also claimed his first title of the season. He had placed fifth and third in his two previous tournament appearances this fall.
Thorn had been stuck in third-place this season, finishing there in each of his previous tournaments before capturing the title in Moorhead. Thorn won five matches to claim the championship, a run that included a major decision and a fall.
Krone had a great bounce-back outing after not placing at last weekend's Luther Open. With three victories on the day, Krone pushed his season record over .500 while claiming his first career collegiate title.
For Rothers, his title was also the first of his collegiate career, as he went 3-0 on the day and earned his first major decision of this season.
Seven other Gophers placed in the top-six at the event: Zane Zemand (2nd at 157), Dylan Urbach (3rd at 157), Jack Bass (6th at 157), Pat Smith (3rd at 165), Colin Carr (5th at 174), Will Balow (2nd at 184) and Nate Rose (2nd at 197).
As always, the best way to stay up-to-date on what's happening with Gopher Wrestling is to stay tuned for updates here on GopherSports.com, and follow us on both Facebook and Twitter.
125
1st: Ethan Lizak
133
1st: Ben Morgan
DNP: Steve Polakowski
141
1st: Tommy Thorn
DNP: Josh Shupe
157
2nd: Zane Zeman
3rd: Dylan Urbach
6th: Jack Bass
DNP: Brad Dolezal
165
1st: Brandon Krone
3rd: Pat Smith
174
1st: Jordon Rothers
5th: Colin Carr
DNP: Tijani Karaborni
184
2nd: Will Balow
DNP: Faris Karaborni
197
2nd: Nate Rose
Players Mentioned
