NEW YORK – Joe Ariola upset third-ranked Victor Avery of Edinboro to highlight the first day of action at the NCAA Wrestling Championships at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. Colt Cotten pinned his opponent in his consolation match and both wrestlers advanced to Friday action.
Ariola, competing at the NCAAs for the first time in his career, held off Avery to win a 7-4 decision. It was Avery's third trip to nationals. Ariola dropped a 9-1 major decision to 14th-ranked Willie Miklus of Missouri in the second round. Ariola will take on Illinois' Jeff Koepke in the consolation bracket tomorrow.