COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA — The Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa welcomed NJCAA wrestlers and fans from across the nation. Friday featured the opening of the two-day event to determine the 2019 National Champion.

Western Wyoming Community College registered as one of the 49 participating teams in the tournament. With 10 qualified wrestlers, the Mustangs came into Friday’s competition with confidence.

A sluggish start to the tournament paved an uphill battle for Western early on in the opening rounds.

After falling into the early teens on the leaderboard, the Mustangs found a spark that would lead to a flurry of WWCC victories. Joey Revelli won 3-2 over Josh Garcia of Iowa Central. The victory came after a challenged takedown by head coach Art Castillo.

Western then went on a 10-3 winning streak which included victories by Kyle Evans, Jake Thompson, Wyatt Monroe, Jace Anderson, Jared Bird, Connor Kirkland, Landon Brown and Revelli.

At the end of the round of 16, Western climbed back to 6th place with 32 points and a 1.5 point deficit from being third. Out of the 10 wrestlers, eight had moved on in the consolation and quarterfinals rounds.

The quarterfinals carried a familiar start as the morning. Kyle Evans was defeated by Elijah Ozuna 10-2. Jared Bird would also fall 9-2 to Marcus Placide in the quarterfinals. However, Connor Kirkland dominated Terron Robinson 16-1 to advance to the semifinals.

All-American honors were awarded to Kirkland, Evans and Brown who all advanced in their respective brackets. Kirkland, who wrestled two matches on Friday, will have a chance at the 197 championship. Evans will be testing the waters in the 141 consolation while Brown eyes the 285 consolation.

Despite losing seven wrestlers Friday, the brotherhood remains for the Mustangs as the team closes out the season Saturday.

Below are photos from Friday’s tournament: