Wolverines Dominate Michigan State Open with Three Championships and Five Placewinners
The University of Michigan wrestling team delivered a commanding performance at the Michigan State Open on Saturday, November 8th, at Jenison Field House, securing three individual championships and boasting a total of five placewinners. The Wolverines showcased both established talent and promising newcomers, signaling a strong start to their 2025-26 season.
Lemley and Khawaja Claim Open Division Titles
Junior Sergio Lemley and redshirt junior Codei Khawaja led the charge, capturing titles at 149 and 184 pounds, respectively, in the open division. For Khawaja, the victory marked his first collegiate tournament title, a testament to his dedication and skill. Lemley, competing unattached, achieved a perfect 3-0 record in his first matches at the 149-pound weight class after competing at 141 pounds for the past two seasons.
Lemley’s championship bout against Illinois’ Michael Gioffre was a strategic display, ending in a 3-0 victory secured by a second-period reversal and a significant 1:26 in riding-time advantage. Despite the success, Lemley is expected to redshirt the 2025-26 season, preserving a year of eligibility.
Khawaja’s path to the 184-pound crown was equally impressive, marked by a 4-0 record and a series of hard-fought victories. He clinched the title with a 4-2 decision over Michigan State’s Luke Vanadia, highlighted by a well-timed ankle-pick takedown in the third period. “He really dug deep in both the semifinals and finals,” noted an observer, praising Khawaja’s grit and determination. A late takedown against Arizona State’s Roger Addisen in the semifinals, finishing with a dominant double leg, further underscored his championship form.
Gates Shines in Collegiate Debut
Redshirt freshman Justin Gates made an immediate impact, claiming the 157-pound freshman/sophomore title in his highly anticipated collegiate debut. Gates, who missed the entirety of last season due to injury, demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the tournament, culminating in a 7-3 victory over Northern Illinois’ Tyler Turzinski.
His tournament run began with a notable 9-8 decision against Northwestern’s Gunnar Myers, the weight class’s top seed. Gates secured the win with a late surge, finishing on a single leg and riding out the final 1:20 to earn advantage time. “It was a fantastic start to his career,” a team spokesperson commented, highlighting the significance of the win.
Additional Placewinners Round Out Strong Showing
The Wolverines’ success extended beyond the champions. Freshman Cooper Hilton reached the finals of the 149-pound freshman/sophomore division, ultimately falling to Arizona State’s Kaleb Larkin with a score of 15-1. Despite the loss, Hilton showcased promise, earning a quick first-period fall in his debut match against Edinboro’s Dominic Ferraro in just 1:03, transitioning a tilt into a headlock for the pin.
Redshirt sophomore Connor Owens secured a fifth-place finish at 174 pounds, contributing to the team’s overall strong performance. Owens finished the tournament with a 4-2 record, rallying with late takedowns in his final match against Central Michigan’s Mason Alessio to secure an 8-5 victory.
Looking Ahead
The University of Michigan wrestling team will continue its season, opening the dual-meet portion of their 2025-26 schedule against Virginia Military Institute on Sunday, November 9th, at 2 p.m. at Cliff Keen Arena. Tickets are available through the U-M Ticket Office, and the dual will be streamed live on B1G+. The team’s performance at the Michigan State Open provides a strong foundation for a successful season.
