MARQUETTE---Northern Michigan University National Training Site Greco-Roman wrestlers Benji Peak, Alston Nutter and David Stepanian topped the podium at the U23 Nationals yesterday in Lincoln, Nebraska. All three earned a spot on USA Wrestling's U23 World Team and will compete in Belgrade, Serbia this November.

Competing at 72 kg, Peak was awarded the tournament's outstanding wrestler honors for outscoring his opponents 43-1.  In his best-of-three final, Peak faced 2019 World Team member Lenny Merkin and earned back-to-back victories with a first period pin and a 10-1 technical fall.

Making his third age-group World Team was Alston Nutter. The 2019 Junior World bronze medalist earned 9-6 and 8-5 wins over Jaden Enriquez to punch his ticket to Serbia at 67 kg.

At 63 kg, Stepanian picked up 5-2 and 8-3 victories over 2020 Senior National finalist Mosha Schwartz.

Head coach Andy Bisek was pleased with his team's eleven top-eight finishes.

"The team wrestled well," said Bisek. "They faced tough opponents and made great in-match adjustments to secure their spots."

UWW U23 National Championship Results

60kg Rafaele Masi, Eighth Place
72kg Benji Peak, First Place
63kg David Stepanian, First Place
67kg Alston Nutter, First Place
67kg Lydell Canady, Fifth Place
67kg Nick Leonetti, Eighth Place
77kg Brody Olson, Sixth Place
77kg Julian Beltran, Eighth Place
82kg DM Hallett, Eighth Place
97kg Keaton Fanning, Fourth Place
82kg George Sikes, Second Place

Best-of-three Finals Results

63 kg – David Stepanian (NMU/NYAC) over Mosha Schwartz (Northern Colorado WC), 2 matches to 0
Match 1: Stepanian dec Schwartz, 5-2
Match 2: Stepanian dec Schwartz, 8-3

67 kg – Alston Nutter (NMU/Sunkist Kids) over Jaden Enriquez (Michigan WC), 2 matches to 0
Match 1: Nutter dec Enriquez, 9-6
Match 2: Nutter dec Enriquez, 8-5

72 kg: Benji Peak (NMU/Sunkist Kids) over Lenny Merkin (NYAC), 2 matches to 0
Match 1: Peak FALL Merkin, 1:00
Match 2: Peak tech Merkin, 10-1