Three Cavaliers Win Titles at Appalachian Open

Story Links

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia wrestlers had a strong day of competition Saturday at the Appalachian Open in Boone, N.C., with three Cavaliers bringing home titles, while one earned runner-up honors.

Blaise Butler (Fr., Belvidere, Ill.) won the 157-pound class, Stephen Doty (Jr., St. Louis, Mo.) captured the 174 title and Zach Nye (Fr., Enola, Pa.) claimed the 197 crown. Patrick Gillen (Fr., Shelton, Conn.) finished as the runner-up at heavyweight. All four were competing unattached.

Butler went 4-0 at 157, culminating with a 4-2 sudden-victory win over Virginia Tech’s Chad Strube in the championship bout.

Doty swept his three matches at 174 and dominated in the championship, winning a 12-1 major decision against Appalachian State’s Collin Hedash.

Nye posted a pair of one-point decisions before rolling to a 4-0 decision over Limestone’s Justin Tribble in the final.

Gillen won his first two bouts before falling to Jesse Ruiz of the Charleston Wrestling Club in the final.