WASHINGTON (PA) – The Delaware Valley College wrestling team, ranked eighth in Division III, opened the 2010-11 campaign by crowning three champions and placing four others in the top six at the Washington & Jefferson College Open. Team scoring was not held at the event.

Nationally-ranked wrestlers Matt Ulrich (141 pounds) and Emmanuel Ajagbe (149 pounds) captured top honors in their weight classes as did freshman 197-pounder Aaron Karns. Zak Andrews (141) and Mike Chiapetta (165) finished third and fifth respectively in their weight classes while Zac Haynes and nationally-ranked Jesse Harrington each placed sixth at 125 and 157 pounds respectively.

Ulrich, a senior transfer and 2010 All-American from University of Southern Maine, made quite a start for the Aggies as he went 5-0 at the tournament. The sixth-ranked wrestler in Division III used a pin, a forfeit and two decisions to reach the finals and then edged Vinny Digravio (Mercyhurst) for the title.

Ajagbe, a sophomore who is ninth nationally in his weight class, needed five wins to take home his title. His first four matches ended in major-decision triumphs, and he followed with a 4-1 victory over Zach Cerrone (unattached) in the finals.

Karns made his collegiate debut on Saturday a memorable one as a pin, major decision and decision placed him in the 197-pound finals. He trailed 2-1 to Cameron Gallagher (unattached) before Gallagher had to stop the match due to an injury.

Andrews, a junior, fell to Ulrich in the third round (bye and technical fall in the first two), but battled back with three straight wins, including a pin in the consolation finals. Chiapetta, a sophomore, reached the championship semifinals before settling for fifth place.

Haynes and Harrington went 3-1 and 4-1 respectively on the day. Both forfeited their late matches. Harrington, a senior and returning All-American, entered the tournament ranked second in Division III in his weight class.