Dec. 5, 1999

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Senior Jason LaMotta (141 lbs.) and junior Corey Bell (174 lbs.) each took third place at the Penn State Open Wrestling Tournament Sunday. Three other Tar Heel wrestlers placed in the top five of their respective weight classes to give UNC a strong showing among the 40 schools represented.

Carolina's projected starter this season at 141 lbs., LaMotta defeated Cory Ace (Edinboro) 3-2 to take third place after winning his opening match against Aaron Elliot (unattached) in a technical fall and an 8-2 decision over Keith Ferraro (unattached). He went on to take a 12-7 decision victory over Tom Storer (Navy) before bowing out to eventual champion Brett Tullo (Bloom) in a narrow 8-6 decision.

At 174 lbs., junior Corey Bell made quick work of his early-round opponents, taking a 9-0 victory over Lance Kearns (maryland), a 10-2 victory over Nick Brumbaugh (Kutz) and an 8-5 decision over Mark Becks (unattached). Bell defeated William Hill (Michigan State) in a 5-3 decision after falling to eventual champion Josh Koscheck, 9-2.

Also placing for the Tar Heels were sophomore Matt Kenny, fourth at heavyweight, Skyler Holman, fourth at 125 lbs, and senior Jamie Groudle, fifth at 165 lbs.

The Tar Heels' next meet will be Dec. 29-30 at the Midlands Wrestling Tournament in Chicago, Ill.