Chambana Sun

Eight wrestlers from Illinois participated in the NCAA Championships at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Lucas Byrd, Kannon Webster, and Edmond Ruth advanced to the quarterfinals in their respective weight categories.

Lucas Byrd, seeded first, won his initial match against Hunter Leake of Cal Baptist with a 3-2 decision. He then defeated Ryan Miller of Penn in a 9-0 major decision. Byrd is set to face Braeden Davis from Penn State next.

Kannon Webster, seeded seventh, began with an 8-0 victory over Kal Miller from Maryland and later won against Colin Realbuto of Northern Iowa by an 8-3 decision. His upcoming match is a rematch against Ridge Lovett of Nebraska.

Edmond Ruth secured his spot by defeating Aidan Brenot of NDSU with a 10-2 major decision and narrowly beating Isaac Dean from Rider. Ruth will compete against Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa next.

Five other Illinois wrestlers continue in consolation brackets after day one. Danny Pucino achieved an upset win over Sam Latona from Virginia Tech. Danny Braunagel overcame Jackson Turley of RUT despite an early deficit, while Zac Braunagel decisively beat Luke Surber from OKST. Both Braeden Scoles and Luke Luffman won their initial matches but moved to the consolation ladder following losses in subsequent rounds.

The team scores have Penn State leading with 39.5 points, followed by Nebraska and Oklahoma State with 28 and 27 points respectively. Illinois currently ties for ninth place alongside Michigan with 16.5 points each.

The tournament continues tomorrow with session three starting at 11 a.m., followed by session four at 7 p.m., Central Time.