PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville wrestling team opened its 2022-23 season by hosting the Pioneer Invitational on Saturday inside Williams Fieldhouse. Competing alongside the Pioneers were the University of Chicago and University of Dubuque.

Sophomore Nolan McKittrick claimed the title in the 125-weight class, collecting a pair of tech fall wins over sophomore teammate Jack Sullivan (15-0) and Dubque's Tanner Higa (16-0). Freshman Trace Gephart placed second in the weight class.

In the 133-weight class, senior Zach Thompson claimed the title after tallying wins in the first four rounds. Thompson won by fall in the first round over Dubuque's John Destefano (2:54) and third round against Dubuque's Jahuan Hicks (6:31) and won the other two rounds by major decision (13-5) and tech fall (17-0).

Senior Brock Parker won by fall (1:51) to claim the 149-weight class title, while freshman Carter Kruckeberg finished second.

Junior Coy Ruess won the 165-weight class, while sophomore Eli Loyd and sophomore Marty Koenig placed second and third. Ruess claimed victory in the first round by fall (4:10) and followed that with wins by tech fall (17-1) and major decision (14-4).

Sophomore Tyler Hannah took the title in the 197-weight class, winning by major decision (7-0) in the first round and by decision over Dubuque's Tyler Thurston by decision (2-1) to clinch the title.

In the 285-weight class, senior Brett Schoenherr won the first-place match by decision over Chicago's Cole Fibranz (5-3). Freshman Wyatt Rip placed third with a 6-3 decision win.

The Pioneers will compete at the Luther College Open next Saturday, Nov. 12. The invite is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.