Jan. 3, 2009

DUBUQUE, Iowa - True freshman Izzy Montemayor and redshirt junior Dan Ruettiger each took first place, Saturday, at the "Flash" Flanagan Open.

Montemayor (Barrington, Ill./Grant Community), wrestling at 125 pounds, earned his first collegiate tournament victory. He had taken third at the Kaufman-Brand Open, and placed fifth at the Pointer Open earlier this year.

"Izzy showed a tremendous amount of determination and focus en route to his championship," Associate Head Coach Ryan Ludwig said.

Ruettiger (Joliet, Ill./Providence), one of three upperclassmen on the team, grinded out a victory at 141 pounds.

"Dan Ruettiger continues to show his intensity and championship mindset," Ludwig said.

Other Huskies that placed include Will McDermott (Mundelein, Ill./Mundelein), who took third at 149 pounds, and Mason True (Arcadia, Ohio/Arcadia), who took third at 165 while wrestling unattached.

The Huskies return to action at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Jan. 10, where they will face the Cougars and Missouri Baptist.