Dec. 5, 2004

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The University of Maryland wrestling team placed five wrestlers at the Penn State Open on Sunday. Andrew Schlaffer and Jason Kiessling finished second in their respective weight classes, while Charlie Pinto, Adam DeCosmo, Josh Haines and Rob Parker also added top finishes for the Terps.

Schlaffer placed for the third time this season after finishing second at 141 pounds. He picked up five wins, including a 2-0 overtime win in the semifinals over Dean Kinports of Columbia, before losing in the finals to DeWitt Driscoll of Penn State. Schlaffer also had a major decision en route to his second place finish.

Kiessling was also a top finisher for the Terps, finishing runner-up at 165 pounds. He defeated Navy's John Jarred 6-4 and Bloomsburg's Frank Beasley before needing overtime to beat teammate Rob Parker 6-4 in the semifinals. Kiessling was then pinned by Bloomsburg's Jimmy Bertulis in the finals. Parker, meanwhile, went on to finish sixth in the 165 bracket.

Pinto had to fight his way through the consolation bracket after a first-round loss. Pinto won seven straight matches in the lower bracket before falling to Joey Rivera in the match for third place. Pinto recorded three falls on his way to fourth place.

Redshirt freshman Josh Haines continued his strong performance in open competition with a third place finish at 184 pounds on Sunday. Haines, who finished second at the East Stroudsburg Open two weeks ago, fell to the consolation bracket after losing his second round bout. Haines, though, went on to rally through the lower bracket winning four matches to finish third.

At 157 pounds, Adam DeCosmo fell to eventual champ Nathan Galloway of Penn State in the semifinals to go on to a sixth place finish for the Terps.

No team scores were recorded for this event.

The Terps return to action next week when they open the dual portion of the schedule next Saturday. Maryland will be on the road to face Rutgers and Rider.