Longenecker finishes 5th

Alfred State College sophomore wrestler Gallaway Longenecker (Manheim, PA) finished 5th and earned All-American status (133 lb. weight class) at the NJCAA National Championships.  Longenecker is the 27th All-American in A-State history and the first wrestler at 133 lbs. to earn All-American since Troy Almeter finished 4th in 1987.

After a bye in the first round, Longenecker earned a 10-6 decision over Michael Slaughter (Spantanburg (SC) Methodist) to advance to the quarterfinals.  In the quarterfinals, he pinned Justin Dixon (Ellsworth (IA) CC) in 3:32 to earn his spot in the semifinals.

In his semifinal match-up he faced Nick Manalis from Western Wyoming.  Longenecker battled tough but fell 6-3.  He then wrestled in the consolation semifinals and fell 3-2 in another tight match to Vance Vesson (Clackamus CC).  Longenecker rebounded in the 5th place match and downed Scott Berens (Labette CC) 4-2. 

Longenecker finishes the season with a 20-4 record on the season.

Cory Merchant (Cobleskill-Richmondville) at 125 lbs. and Andy Wright (Hilton) at HWT. both competed but were unable to pick up wins.

A-State finished with 12 points in the tournament to earn a 27th place finish overall and an 8th place finish in the non-scholarship competition.