BOONE, N.C. -- Old Dominion wrestler Larry Early won the 157-pound bracket at the Appalachian State Open Saturday, while Abner Romero finished as the runner-up in the 174 weight class.
Larry Early, a transfer from Minnesota, went 4-0 en route to the tournament crown in his first action as a Monarch. Competing unattached, the Chicago native opened the day with a tech. fall over Virginia Tech's Kaleb Forsythe and picked up a 7-6 win over App State's Angel Najar to land himself in the semifinals. From there, Early defeated Virginia Tech's Ryan Blees, 6-3, before he clinched the championship with a 6-2 decision over Laken Cook from App State.
Competing at 174 for the first time this season, freshman Abner Romero placed second at the tournament, racking up a 3-1 record with two major decisions and a victory via medical forfeit. The California native fell in the championship match to Virginia Tech's Cody Hughes, 6-3.
Redshirt sophomore Kaleab Fetahi recorded his highest finish in a tournament this season, placing fourth at 174. Fetahi went 4-2 on the day, defeating opponents from Campbell, App State and two fellow Monarchs along the way.
Redshirt freshman Jaquan Loney strung together three consecutive wins, finishing just one victory shy of a top-four finish at 133 lbs. The Florida native earned a pin and two decisions on the day and lost to the eventual runner-up and third-place finisher.
Also competing for the Monarchs were: Connor Wallace (0-2 at 133), Kenan Carter (2-2 at 141), Chris Mauriello (0-2 at 149), Will Verallis (1-2 at 149), Tanner Stephens (1-2 at 149), Luke Drugac (2-2 at 165), Dean Drugac (2-2 at 174), Blake Sutherland (1-2 at 174) and Ali Wahab (2-2 at 285).
For complete brackets, click here.