RENO, Nev. — Cal Poly Humboldt Wrestling sent 28 Lumberjacks to the mat this weekend at the prestigious Reno Tournament of Champions, facing one of the deepest and most competitive fields of the season. Humboldt wrestlers combined for several standout performances, highlighted by a fourth-place finish from Josh Neiwert and multiple athletes narrowly missing the podium.
Josh Neiwert (133 lbs) turned in the top performance of the day for the Lumberjacks, placing fourth after a 3-1 showing. Neiwert opened his run with a pin and followed with two hard-fought decisions to reach the placement rounds. He was medical forfeited in the third-place match, closing out an impressive tournament against elite competition.
Anthony Perez (157 lbs) added a sixth-place finish, putting together a strong 5-2 day. Perez recorded a fall, a major decision, and three decisions on his way to placing, consistently scoring points throughout the tournament.
Several Lumberjacks came within one match of cracking the top six. Gil Mossburg (149 lbs) went 3-2 on the day, collecting two falls and a decision. Darrell Nanpuya (141 lbs) also finished 3-2, highlighted by a technical fall and two decision victories. At heavyweight, Preston Dixon (285 lbs) posted a 2-2 record with two decision wins, including a sudden-victory overtime triumph. Mossburg, Nanpuya, and Dixon all fell just one win short of earning a top-six finish.
Micaiah Montalbin (197 lbs) wrestled well early in the tournament, going 2-1 with a pair of pins before sustaining an injury in his quarterfinal match. Jayson Victoria (149 lbs) and Vinicius Tome (197 lbs) each finished 2-2 on the day, with both wrestlers picking up two pins apiece.
The Reno Tournament of Champions marked an important test for Humboldt against top-level competition and provided valuable experience across the lineup.
The Lumberjacks will now take some time off before returning to action on Saturday, January 10, when they travel to Gunnison, Colorado, to compete in the 35th Annual Tracy Borah Duals, hosted by Western Colorado.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt wrestling, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.
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