Oliver Brukardt leads five Phillipsburg wrestlers into quarterfinals of Reno TOC

by Express-Times staff

Saturday December 20, 2008, 12:44 AM

Oliver Brukhardt is 3-0 in the 140-pound weight class at the Reno TOC.

Oliver Brukardt went 3-0 on the first day of wrestling at the Reno Tournament of Champions in Nevada. Once of those victories was a surprising 2-1 win over defending TOC champion Mark Hartenstine of Easton at 140 pounds.

"Brukardt got a reversal in the second period," Easton coach Steve Powell said. "Hartenstine was close a couple times on takedowns and there were some good scrambles. That's a surprise; Mark's been real consistent and won here last year. It's a nice win for Brukardt."

Brukardt is joined in the quarterfinals by Liner teammates Matt Silva (103), Matt Lane (125), Jared Crouse (189) and Matt Santini (215). Nine Phillipsburg wrestlers are still participating in wrestlebacks.

The Red Rovers have four wrestlers unbeaten in the championship bracket. Mike Fleck (112), Joey Rizzolino (130), Patrick Corpora (135) and Chris Wilson (215). Eight Easton wrestlers remain in contention in the consolation bracket.

In the team race, Phillipsburg leads with 89½ team points, Sunnyside (Calif.) is second with 86 and Easton has 79 points. Today's quarterfinals begin at noon EDT with the finals commencing at 8 p.m.