In the event of events in collegiate wrestling, Michigan has put itself in a good position after one day of action in Iowa City.
After the first two sessions, Michigan finds itself in a tie for seventh with Nebraska. Minnesota leads the tournament, followed by Iowa, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Iowa State and Illinois.
Five of the eight wrestlers the Wolverines qualified for the NCAA tournament are still alive in the winners bracket after two matches. The quarterfinals will begin tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Senior Otto Olsen, ranked second at the 174 lbs. weight class, led the charge for Michigan, pinning his first challenger in 2:38. Sophomore A.J. Grant also scored a major decisions at the 125 lbs. Grant will face No. 2 Jody Strittmatter of Iowa, a thorn in Grant”s side throughout the last two years.
Mike Kulczycki, Andy Hrovat and Matt Brink all will face higher-ranked Illinois foes in their quarterfinal matches.