MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Highlighted by a semifinal run by freshman Gage Cook on Friday, the St. Thomas University Men's Wrestling Team had five Bobcats advance to the second day of the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Cook advanced to the semifinals in the 285 lb behind an 8-0 victory over Ja;Quavian Daniels from Brewton-Parker and a pin of Johnatan Argueta from Montreat. 
• Diego Escalante recovered from a 13-0 setback in his first matchup in the 157 lb bracket against Chase Bond from Truett McConnell with an 18-3 technical fall triumph over Hayden Canady from Pike.
• Diogo Ramos-Padilha sandwiched victories over Spencer Fields from Truett McConnell and fellow Bobcat Shemar Barthelus in the 184 lb flight with a setback to Tre Morrisette from Life.
• Ghee Rachal ended the day in the 197 lb bracket with a victory over Nicholas Vincent from West Virginia Tech after falling to Gentry Smith from Southeastern. 
• Lane Wishart bested Aden Burduliis from Pike and Karmel Thompson from Reinhardt while falling to Caden MCary from RU in the 141 bracket.

UP NEXT:
Play in the AAC Championship continues on Saturday, Feb. 21.