December 6, 1998

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - University of North Carolina wrestlers Chuckie Connor (125 lbs.) JohnMark Bentley (149 lbs.) and Corey Bell (184 lbs.) each reached the semifinals at their respective weights before losing Sunday at the Penn State Open. Fellow Tar Heels Clint Osborn and Matt Kenny each reached the quarterfinals at heavyweight before falling.

Connor reached the semis with a win by forfeit over Jamie Carl (unattached), a 13-3 major decision over Dave Llaria (Seton Hall) and a 7-2 decision over Devon Gray (Central Michigan). Connor dropped a 3-1 decision to Jody Strittmatter (unattached) in the semis.

Bentley pinned Jeff Slavo (unattached) in 5:45, decisioned Jeremy Betz (unattached) 7-1 and decisioned Isaac Greely (unattached) before losing, 6-4, to Brett Matter (Penn) in the semifinals.

Bell defeated Scott Justus (unattached) 5-2, Mark Shrout (unattached) and Jim Custred (Pittsburgh-Johnston) 8-0 before losing in a sudden death tiebreaker to Greg Gingelskie (Navy) in the semis.

The finals and consolation finals at each weight were to be completed late Sunday evening.

Carolina now will break from competition for final exams and continues its season with another open tournament, the Sunshine Open, on Dec. 29 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.