Bucknell University Athletics
Tyler Smith Takes Third at Midlands Championships
12/30/2017 10:30:00 PM | Wrestling
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – Bucknell's Tyler Smith posted a 5-1 record to place third in the 141-pound weight class at the 55th Ken Kraft Midlands Championships, held Friday and Saturday at Sears Centre Arena.
Smith, who captured his bronze medal on the strength of a 10-4 victory over Purdue's Nate Limmex, moved to 90-34 in his collegiate career. The 11th Bison to reach the 90-victory plateau, his .726 career winning percentage stands 12th in school history.
Great to see a Bison on the podium at the prestigious @MidlandsChamps! Tyler Smith will be taking 🥉back to Lewisburg! #DoMore #rayBucknell #Midlands55 pic.twitter.com/QlCZY9NevE
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) December 31, 2017
Smith rolled to the championship bracket's semifinals. First, he pinned Eastern Michigan's Chris Poland in 4:33. Then, he downed South Dakota State's Henry Pohlmeyer by a 9-3 decision. In the quarterfinals, Smith toppled Iowa's Carter Happel by a commanding 11-3 major decision.
Smith, who was slotted No. 13 in the most recent InterMat rankings, was edged, 5-4, by No. 20 Mason Smith of Central Michigan in the semifinals. A video review was needed to confirm that Mason Smith held off the Bison senior's last-second takedown attempt.
In the consolation bracket, Smith advanced to the third-place bout on the strength of an 8-4 victory over Iowa's Max Murin.
Four of Smith's victories came over wrestlers who compete for ranked teams. His win over Poland was his first by fall in 2017-18. His major decision victory over Happel was his team-best fourth of the campaign.
Smith and the Bison are slated to return to action on Sunday, Jan. 7 with a 2 p.m. dual at Navy.
Tyler Smith Results
W, fall over Chris Poland (Eastern Michigan), 4:33
W, dec. over Henry Pohlmeyer (#15 South Dakota State), 9-3
W, maj. dec. over Carter Happel (#7 Iowa), 11-3
L, dec. to #20 Mason Smith (#21 Central Michigan), 5-4
W, dec. over Max Murin (#7 Iowa), 8-4
Third-place bout: W, dec. over Nate Limmex (#23 Purdue), 10-4
Players Mentioned
