Kemmerer leads Penn grapplers into NCAA Tournament

Five Penn wrestlers can finally book their tickets to St. Louis.

Returning All-American Zack Kemmerer will be joined by junior Micah Burak, senior Bryan Ortenzio (pictured), freshman Steve Robertson and senior Erich Smith.

Kemmerer, who last year finished eighth, will be making his third appearance in the end-of-year tournament. The141-pound senior finished fifth during the weekend at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association's championships. He will face fellow unseeded Evan Henderson from North Carolina in a first-round matchup.

Penn's hottest wrestler heading into the tournament will be Bryan Ortenzio. The 133-pound senior came away from EIWAs with a win and in the process became Penn's first champion since 2008. He is seeded No. 12.

The pair will be joined by fellow three-time qualifier Micah Burak. The 197 pounder reached the finals of the EIWA to clinch his spot, but lost to long time rival Cam Simaz of Cornell, whom he has never beaten in nine tries. Burak reached the Round of 12 in last year's championships, but fell one win short of All-American status. He is seeded No. 11 at the Championships.

Senior Erich Smith, a transfer from Michigan, and freshman Steve Robertson will both be making debut appearances at the NCAA Championships. Robertson finished the year 23-8 and came away with fifth place at the EIWAs.

Smith overcame a first round loss to No. 2 Robert Hamlin in the EIWAs to clinch a berth at the NCAA Championships by virtue of his third place finish.

The only disappointment was the exclusion of Ivy League Rookie of the Year Lorenzo Thomas. Thomas, who is 23-10, finished just in seventh and couldn't lock up one of the four at-large bids.

The wrestlers will head to Scottrade Center in St. Louis on Monday.