Jason McCroskey finished short of reaching the medalist podium at the NCAA tournament in Omaha, Neb., but the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 184-pound wrestler posted two wins before bowing out Friday afternoon.
McCroskey, whose first win came Thursday over former national finalist Mike Miller of Central Michigan, eliminated Ohio University’s Nick Purdue 3-2 in his first consolation bout. He then lost 6-5 to Southern Conference rival Andrew Saunders from UNC Greensboro, with whom he had split two previous matches this season.
McCroskey and 149-pound Dean Pavlou, the Mocs’ other NCAA qualifier, will be back next year. Already a two-time qualifier, McCroskey will have two more shots at the nationals while Pavlou, a redshirt freshman, should have three. Pavlou lost his first two matches Thursday.