Olivet College’s Murphy and Wallis competes at 2021 U.S. Nationals

CORALVILLE, Iowa – Olivet College's Hunter Murphy placed sixth at the 2021 UWW Junior Nationals April 30 at the Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa.

Murphy wrestled in the 72-kilogram division of the senior Greco-Roman bracket. After losing his first match, he won back-to-back matches, 10-0 over Reese Dalton and 14-6 over Ryan Ojeda. Murphy fell in his last two matches by matching 8-0 scores. His first-round opponent, Xavier Johnson, went on to win the 72kg division.

"Hunter was very hungry for this event," said Olivet head coach Brandon Brissette. "This season, he missed his All-American goal at the NWCA Division III Championships by one match, and really was looking forward to a second chance back the in the same arena. While he did not have much experience with Greco going in, he had a smooth transition because of his power, ties and positioning from Folk style.

"Hunter is the first Olivet wrestler to earn senior Nationals All-American status, and according to d3wrestle.com was one of only five current Division III wrestlers to place in either style! He capitalized on a great opportunity by staying prepared, representing the work ethic of this program, and believing in his wrestling no matter the style!"

Reese Wallis competed May 1 in the 65-kilogram division of the senior freestyle bracket. He lost both of his matches, 10-0.