HOUSTON – Eight of the Mavericks’ 10 national qualifiers posted opening round wins Friday, helping the University of Nebraska at Omaha wrestling team claim a first-place finish after the first round of the 2009 NCAA Division II Wrestling Tournament in Houston, Texas.

Cody Garcia, Mario Morgan, Todd Meneely, Aaron Denson, Ross Taplin, Brent Pankoke, Jacob Marrs and Tony Lewis all won their opening round bouts, while Matt Rein and Esai Dominguez fell to the tournament’s consolation bracket.

Garcia took the first step to capturing his third national title, scoring a 9-0 major decision against Minnesota State, Mankato’s Tim Haneberg at 133 pounds. The three-time national qualifier will face Joe Kemmerer (Kutztown) tonight.

Morgan, a 141-pounder from Chicago, Ill., picked up his 30th win of the season (30-11), scoring a 5-3 decision over Bryan Miller (North Carolina-Pembroke). The two-time national qualifier and second-ranked 141-pound wrestler will battle Chadron State’s Jimmy Savala in this evening’s session.

Meneely, a two-time National Champion, continued his dominating performance this season, scoring a third period pin of Tallen Wald of Minnesota State-Moorehead. The senior from Skutt Catholic High School remained undefeated, improving to 24-0. Meneely, the top-ranked 157-pounder, will face Chase Walker of Mesa State tonight.

Fifth-ranked 165-pound wrestler Denson scored UNO’s second major decision of the afternoon, recording a 10-2 win against Kyle Keane (Pittsburgh-Johnson). Denson, who finished seventh at last year’s national Tournament, advances to wrestle Minnesota State-Moorehead 165-pounder Tyler Tubbs.

Four-time national qualifier Ross Taplin wasted little time to win his match by fall. The top-ranked wrestler at 174 pounds from Abilene, Kan., pinned Western State’s Nick Ross in 2:20. Taplin advances and will wrestle Joeseph Shreckhise (Limestone).
At 184 pounds, Pankoke scored UNO’s fifth consecutive win, notching a 10-3 victory over Tony Gehling of Upper Iowa. Pankoke, the top-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds improves to 14-1 this season and will wrestle Mitch Knapp (West Liberty State) tonight.

Marrs continued the Mavericks’ opening round dominance, topping Patrick Walsh (Pittsburgh-Johnson), 6-4. Marrs, a three-time national qualifier, will wrestle Donovan McMahill of Wisconsin-Parkside in tonight’s session.

At heavyweight, Lewis scored a 9-2 decision against Jeff Schossow of Adams State. The No.4-ranked wrestler at 285 pounds, will face second-ranked Brady Wilson (Minnesota State, Mankato) this evening.
At 125 pounds, Matt Rein dropped an 8-5 decision to No. 1 Curtis Schurkamp (San Francisco State). The sophomore from Abilene, Kan. will battle Alex Meger (Augustana) in the consolation bracket tonight.
Dominguez, a redshirt freshman, was pinned by Adams State’s 149-pounder Joesph Deaguero. The Creighton Prep product will wrestle Kayne Melko (West Liberty State) in the consolation bracket later today.

Session II of the NCAA Division II Wrestling Nationals will continue tonight at 6:00 p.m. Follow all the action live at Omavs.com. A free webcast and live audio will be available once the session begins at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Maverick First Round Results:
125 Curtis Schurkamp (San Francisco State) WBD Matt Rein (UNO) D 8-5
133 Cody Garcia (UNO) WBD Tim Haneberg (Minnesota State, Mankato) M 9-0
141 Mario Morgan (UNO) WBD Bryan Miller (North Carolina-Pembroke) D 5-3
149 Joseph Deaguero (Adams State) WBF Esai Dominguez (UNO) F 4:14
157 Todd Meneely (UNO) WBF Tallen Wald (Minnesota State-Moorehead) F 6:57
165 Aaron Denson (UNO) WBD Kyle Keane (Pittsburgh-Johnson) M 10-2
174 Ross Taplin (UNO) WBF Nick Ross (Western State) F 2:20
184 Brent Pankoke (UNO) WBD Tony Gehling (Upper Iowa) D 10-3
197 Jacob Marrs (UNO) WBD Patrick Walsh (Pittsburgh-Johnson) D 6-4
285 Tony Lewis WBD Jeff Schossow (Adams State) D 9-2

Team Standings
1. Nebraska-Omaha – 15.0
2. Minnesota State, Mankato – 9.0
3. Adams State – 8.0
4. Newberry – 7.0
Western State -7.0
6. Upper Iowa – 6.5
7. Gannon – 6.0
Pittsburgh-Johnson – 6.0
Wisconsin-Parkside – 6.0
10. Central Okalhoma – 5.0
Fort Hays State – 5.0