LAS VEGAS, NV – For the second straight year, the Rider University wrestling team will have a semifinalist at the prestigious Cliff Keen Invitational, this time behind a dominant run from Elijah Griffin, who powered his way into Saturday's semifinals after an impressive day-one performance.

In a field loaded with many of the nation's top teams and individual talents, the Broncs closed day one with one wrestler advancing to the semifinals and two others reaching the blood round to fight for a place in Saturday's action.

125 – No. 16/18 Tyler Klinsky
Klinsky opened with a 7-2 decision over Edinboro's Chris Vargo, using a third-period takedown to secure the win. In the second round, he faced Michigan's No. 23 Diego Sotelo.

After a scoreless first period, Klinsky escaped and scored a quick takedown in the second to build a 4-0 lead. Sotelo cut into the margin with escapes in both the second and third before capitalizing in the final seconds with a takedown and two near-fall points. A riding time point sealed an 8-5 decision, sending Klinsky to the consolation bracket.

His tournament ended with a narrow 15-13 loss to Franklin & Marshall's James Garcia, finishing 1-2 on the day.

133 – Will Betancourt
Betancourt dropped his opening bout 5-0 to Stanford's No. 6 Tyler Knox but rebounded with three straight wins to reach the blood round.

Matched with Cornell's No. 23 Tyler Ferrara with a spot in day two on the line, Betancourt forced sudden victory after the two traded escapes. Ferrara scored in overtime to take a 4-1 win, ending Betancourt's day at 3-2.

141 – No. 20/26 Elijah Griffin – Semifinalist
Griffin began his run with a commanding 17-4 major decision over Wyoming's John Alden, racking up four takedowns in the process. He followed with an 8-2 win over No. 30 Pierson Manville (Arizona State), using a third-period counter to break open a tied match.

In the quarterfinals, Griffin earned revenge against West Virginia's Jordan Titus, who defeated him 5-2 in their dual earlier this season. This time, Griffin dominated, rolling to a 12-3 major decision and nearly securing a fall in the closing moments, sending him into Saturday's semifinals where he will face No. 28 Nash Singleton (Oregon St). 

165 – Brendon Abdon
Abdon opened with a 14-4 major decision over Navy's Davis Park and added an 8-1 victory over California Baptist's Gabriel Schumm, powered by an early takedown and four near-fall points.

In the quarterfinals, Abdon fell to No. 23 Marcus Espinoza-Owens, 15-2, placing him in the blood round. Facing Northern Illinois' Brett Smith with a chance to advance to day two, Abdon battled deep into the third period before a late Smith takedown ended the match. He finished the tournament 2-2.

Full Individual Results
125 - #8 Seed Tyler Klinsky
First Round – Win over Chris Vargo (Edinboro) (Dec 7-2)
Second Round – Lost to Diego Sotelo (Michigan) (Dec 8-5)
Consolation Round of 16 #2 – Lost to James Garcia (F&M) (Dec 15-13)

133 – Will Betancourt
First Round – Loss to Tyler Knox (Stanford) (Dec 5-0)
Consolation Round of 16 #1 – Win over Amonn Ohl (Edinboro) (Dec 7-2)
Consolation Round of 16 #2 -Win over Ethan Rivera (Princeton) (Dec 7-2)
Consolation Round of 8 #1 – Win over Gabe Whisenhunt (Oregon St) (Dec 4-1)
Consolation Round of 8 #2 – Lost to Tyler Ferrara (Cornell) (Dec 4-1 SV)

141 – #6 Seed Elijah Griffin
First Round – Win over John Alden (Wyoming) (MD 17-4)
Second Round – Win over Pierson Manville (Arizona St) (Dec 9-2)
Quarterfinal – Win over Jordan Titus (West Virginia) (MD 12-3)

165 – Brendon Abdon
First Round – Win over Davis Park (Navy) (MD 14-4)
Second Round – Win over Gabriel Schumm (California Baptist) (Dec 8-1)
Quarterfinal – Lost to Marcus Espinoza-Owens (South Dakota St) (MD 15-2)
Consolation Round of 8 #2 – Lost to Brett Smith (Northern Illinois) (Dec 4-2)

174 – Enrique Munguia
First Round – Win over Tate Geiser (Edinboro) (Dec 8-5)
Second Round – Lost to Brody Conley (West Virginia) (MD 12-2)
Consolation Round of 16 #2 – Lost to Leo Tukhlynovych (Arizona St) (Fall 3:28)


The Broncs return to action today, Dec. 6, to close out the Cliff Keen Invitational.
Actions start at 1 p.m.