2002-03 College News - Dante Lewis claims prestigious Pete Willson Invitational title

Dante Lewis claims prestigious Pete Willson Invitational title

Saturday, February 8, 2003

Wheaton, IL - Dante Lewis ran his record up to 35-1 while claiming his seventh individual tournament title of the season at the 66th Annual Pete Willson Invitational at Wheaton College on Saturday, February 8th.

The prestigous tournament drew 28 colleges and universities from throughout the midwest in a two-day, pre-national championship style event. The history of the tournament shows that champions here at Wheaton generally go on to be national champions or All-Americans later that season.

The 125 pound weight class was so loaded with talented wrestlers that it took 30 minutes just to decide that Dante Lewis was the number one seed with a 32-1 record. In the end Lewis proved he was the best, cruising throught the backet to the title defeating the number two seed, Wiley Craft of the University of Indianapolis 8-5. Lewis scored four takedowns and gave up five escapes in the championship finals to the NCAA II Midwest Regional foe.

"Dante is for real," said UMM head coach Doug Reese. This tournament was tough, and Dante rose to the top. All I heard all weekend from both coaches and officials was that Lewis was the best wrestler they have seen this season. That is a credit to Dante's work ethic. God has blessed him with talent, but he works extremely hard to sharpen his skills and polish his weak areas. Most people would be amazed how hard he wrestles every day in practice, there is only one speed on his dail - hard and fast," said Reese.

The Cougars placed 20th in the 28 team tournament. Both Eric Steinhoff (184 pounds) and Todd Sanchez (141 pounds) were one win short of placing in the tournament.

Sanchez lost his opening round match to number two-seed Josh Holden of Indianapolis 12-10, then defeated Mike Hanlin of Manchester College 16-11, ripping out 11 points in the second period including seven near fall points.

Sanchez then won a 9-2 decision over Joe Spero of Milikin College. In his final match, Sanchez lost an 11-3 decision to Kevin Koch of Concordia University (WI).

Eric Steinhoff lost to number three-seed Nathaniel Augustin of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univeristy (AZ) 14-4, then won by fall in 3:05 versus Mike Jackson of the University of Indianapolis. In his final match lost a hard fought 6-3 decision to Mario Thompson of Missouri Valley College, who placed 6th in the event. In the final period while trailing 4-3, Steinhoff tore rib cartiliage that severly affected his performance in the final minutes of the contest.

Jaime Compean lost to Nick Morphew of Lawrence University (WI) 13-10, and to Aaron Coarza of William Penn University 14-10 in the 133 pound weight division.

Lucas Scharmer lost by fall to Brad Becker of UW-Parkside and to Drew McCoy of Wabash College (IN).

Robert Sauter dropped a 15-0 technical superiority to Kyle Hardley of Manchester and lost a 10-1 major decision to Ryan Allen of Ohio Northern University.

Jake Scott withdrew from the tournament after suffering an injury in the first minute of his first match with Ryan Wagner of the University of Indianapolis.

The Cougars will compete in their final dual meet of the season versus Concordia College on Wednesday, February 11th in Moorhead, MN, then close out their final home date of the season when they host their last NSIC Championship on Sunday, February 16th. Wrestling will begin at 10:00 am in the UMM P.E. Center.

Dante Lewis stands alone on top at Wheaton College's Pete Willson's Invitational. Lewis defeated third place finisher Ricky Guzman of Lindenwood 20-13, and second place finisher Wiley Craft of Indianapolis 8-5 to claim top honors. (photo by Doug Reese)

Todd Sanchez scores backpoints versus Mike Hanlin of Manchester College in a 16-11 win in the Pete Willson Invitational at Wheaton College. (photo by Doug Reese)