Max Black, center, poses with Northern Michigan University coaches Andy Bisek, left, and Parker Betts. (Submitted photo)

LAS VEGAS, Nev.– Northern Michigan University National Training Site Greco-Roman wrestler Max Black finished first at the U20 National Championships held in Las Vegas.

His victory earned him a spot on the U20 Pan American Championships team and an automatic berth in the best-of-three series determining the World Team in June. The Pan American Championships will take place in Oaxtepec, Mexico, July 8-10.

Competing at 60 kg, Black entered the championship round by winning four straight matches and outscoring his opponents 33-0. In the final match, Black faced Anthony Aniciete of Aniciete Training Club. Aniciete led 1-0 after the first period, but Black would surge to a 9-1 victory, turning Aniciete four times with a series of gut wrenches.

Placing third for NMU was Jonathan Gurule, who competed at 55 kg. Gurule faced Cole Smith of the U.S. Army team in the bronze-medal match, winning by decision 1-1.

Competing at 77 kg and also placing third was Payton Jacobson. Jacobson faced Jake Jones of PA Wrestling in the third-place final, finishing the match in 26 seconds with two quick throws, winning 8-0.

Also competing for the NMU squad and placing in the top-8 were Aaron Dobbs and Charlie Dill. Dobbs placed fourth at 82 kg with Dill placing seventh at 67 kg.

U20 Greco-Roman Final Match Results

55 kg

3rd – Jonathan Gurule (NMU) dec Cole Smith CO (Army (WCAP), 1-1

60 kg

1st – Max Black (NMU/Black Fox Wrestling Academy) tech Anthony Aniciete (Aniciete Training Club), 9-1 4:30

67 kg

7th – Charlie Dill (NMU/Curby 3 Style Wrestling Club) tech Jeremy Bockert (Interior Grappling Academy), 13-5 2:20

77 kg

3rd – Payton Jacobson (NMU/Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club) tech Jake Jones (Pennsylvania), 8-0 0:26

82 kg

3rd – Aaron Dobbs (NMU), 8-0 loss to Macaron Kukowski MN (Minnesota Storm) tech 0:32

EDITOR’S NOTE: Information provided by Northern Michigan University National Training Site.