Nov. 3, 2007
Complete Results | Photo Gallery 
YPSILANTI, Mich. - The Purdue wrestling team opened its season with an outstanding performance at the Eastern Michigan Open on Saturday, highlighted by championship performances by junior tri-captain Jake Patacsil and sophomore Nick Bertucci.
Patacsil had a dominating performance at 149-pounds, posting a trio of technical falls and a first-round pin on his way to the title, while Bertucci rolled to the 157-pound crown with a first-period fall and a 17-2 technical fall.
Several other Boilermakers claimed spots on the podium as freshman Luke Manuel (165) grabbed a silver medal, juniors Nick Corpe (174) and Jake Murphy (157), and freshman Logan Brown (197) all captured third-place finishes and sophomore Sam Patacsil (157) grabbed sixth. Manuel posted an undefeated record all the way to the 165-pound finals where he suffered his only loss of the day. Corpe, Murphy and Brown all reached the semifinals of their respective brackets before suffering their first loss, but all rebounded to grab the bronze. Sam Patacsil battled back from a loss to start the day to roll all the way to the final match of the day, where he settled for sixth.
"It was a great day for the team," said Purdue Head Coach Scott Hinkel. "Jake (Patacsil) and Nick (Bertucci) were incredible, and there really wasn't a guy that we weren't proud of today. Today sets a great tone for the rest of our season."
The Boilermaker grapplers return to action next weekend at the Michigan State Open.