SALEM, Va. – The West Virginia University wresting team captured three individual titles to close out its season opener at the 2023 Southeast Open on Saturday.
 
Junior Jett Strickenberger led the way by winning the 125-pound open title in his WVU debut. Strickenberger pinned Virginia's Kyle Montaperto in the semifinals, before pulling off a 4-1 sudden victory over No. 14 Brandon Kaylor of Oregon State in the finals.

Later in the day, redshirt sophomore Jordan Titus, ranked No. 19 at 141 pounds, completed a 4-0 run to the Mountaineers' second title. Titus outlasted No. 26 Cleveland Belton of OSU to seal a 6-5 decision in the closing seconds of the championship match. Redshirt freshman Ian Bush added a 8-5 decision over Morgan State's Kingsley Menifee to claim the crown at 184 pounds within the sophomore/freshman division.

Thirteen other Mountaineers joined Strickenberger, Titus and Bush in the top six of their respective weight classes. Redshirt senior Michael Wolfgram (HWT), freshmen Ty Watters (149) and Mason Mills (125 – freshman/sophomore division) finished runners-up. Senior Peyton Hall (165) and redshirt junior Dennis Robin (184) claimed third. Senior Jack Blumer took fourth and senior Caleb Dowling (157), redshirt junior Austin Cooley (197), redshirt sophomore Dylan Kohn (184), sophomore Cole Tolley (197 – sophomore/freshman division) and redshirt freshman Leonardo Muzika (HWT – sophomore/freshman division) all grabbed fifth. Redshirt freshman Brian Finnerty (184 – sophomore/freshman division) placed fourth and fifth-year senior Alex Hornfeck (157) secured sixth competing unattached.

Of note, Watters, Mills, Tolley and freshmen Garhett Dickerson (133), Dom Parker (157), Luke Eschenheimer (174) and Wilson Spires (HWT) all made their first appearances on the mat for West Virginia.

Up next, the wrestling team opens its home slate at the WVU Coliseum, playing host to Kent State, Cleveland State and Duke as part of the Mountaineer Quad on Sunday, Nov. 12. Match time is set to start at 1 p.m. ET.

For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUWrestling on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.