Bucknell's Hartman Alive Through NCAA Championships' First Day

DETROIT – Bucknell's Zach Hartman remains alive in the 165-pound bracket at the NCAA Wrestling Championships, which began on Thursday at Little Caesars Arena.

Hartman went 1-1 on the opening day of the NCAA's premier event, with his loss coming in the championship bracket's second round to the defending national champion. He will wrestle Nebraska's Bubba Wilson, who he hasn't previously faced, in tomorrow's second consolation round of 16.

Hartman opened his day with a decisive 5-1 triumph over NC State's Thomas Bullard, a five-time NCAA qualifier and four-time top-three finisher at the ACC Championships. The senior captain scored the bout's first takedown and later added a quick reversal after starting the middle stanza on bottom. He secured his win by riding out Bullard for the entire final frame.

Hartman's second-round opponent was Stanford's Shane Griffith, who defeated Hartman in the NCAA semifinals en route to his 2021 title. Griffith entered the final period with a tight 4-2 lead; he ultimately pulled away from Hartman by registering an escape and a takedown in the first minute.

Hartman is the fifth Bison to qualify for four NCAA Championships since the wrestling program was reinstated ahead of the 2006-07 season, joining David Marble (133, 2007-10), Andy Rendos (165, 2007-10), Joe Stolfi (285, 2013-16) and current volunteer assistant coach Tyler Smith (141, 2015-18). His career record at the NCAA's premier event currently stands at 6-6.

The NCAA Championships continue tomorrow, with the day beginning at 11 a.m.

165: #12 Zach Hartman (1-1)
First Round: W, dec. over #21 Thomas Bullard (#4 NC State) 5-1
Second Round: L, dec. to #5 Shane Griffith (Stanford) 3-7
Will wrestle #27 Bubba Wilson (#11 Nebraska) in tomorrow's second consolation round of 16

Note: Individual ranking NCAA seed; team ranking NWCA

Bucknell's Hartman Alive Through NCAA Championships' First Day

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Zach Hartman

Zach Hartman