Pilcher, Smithburg take titles for Fairfield

MANSCHESTER ? A stacked field met the Fairfield wrestling team for its first tournament action of the season as the Trojans crowned two individual champs at the West Delaware Invite.

Michael Smithburg and Jac Pilcher remained undefeated for the season in capturing titles at 285 and 160 pounds, respectively. The two top finishes helped Fairfield to a sixth-place result out of nine teams in the final team standings. Linn-Mar was the team champ with 223.5 points while New Hampton took second with 201.

Pilcher squeaked past New Hampton?s Jaren Johnson in his first match of the day around 10 a.m. before blazing through the rest of the field. The senior picked up first-period wins by fall in his next two matches including the championship bout vs. Linn-Mar?s Landon Ashbacher.

Smithburg was the 285-pound champion at the tournament a year ago and went back to reclaim his title Saturday. He won by fall in both the first and second rounds before posting a 7-3 victory over New Hampton?s Logan Hopp in the finals to cap the day for Fairfield.

Jeff Guttry lost a second-round match at 171 pounds, but rallied through the consolation bracket to finish the day 3-1 and in third place. Guttry posted a 6-1 victory over Linn-Mar?s AJ Garcia in the third-place match.

Michael Hammes (152), Seth Davisson (189) and Jacob Mineart (215) all placed fourth while Ammon Shaner (130), Quinton Bradfield (135) and Aaron Gevock (145) all finished the day with victories to place fifth.

Next, Fairfield will resume its dual-meet schedule Thursday at home against SEC rival Washington.