STANFORD, Calif. – The Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and Midlands Championships are two of the most prestigious midseason tournaments in the country. Take a look back at some of the most memorable moments from December in Stanford wrestling history.
1999 • Surmon Wins Midlands
- Assistant coach and former Stanford All-American Tod Surmon defeated Steve Blackford (Arizona State) 3-2 in the finals to win the 165-pound bracket at the prestigious Midlands Championships.
2004 • Gentry Sweeps Awards
Matt Gentry became just the seventh wrestler ever to win both the Dan Gable Outstanding Wrestler and Art Kraft Champion of Champions awards in the same year at the Midlands Championships when he dominated the field to win the 157-pound bracket. Other notable placers: Jason Borrelli (Central Michigan) 5th at 133 pounds and Alex Tirapelle (Illinois) 2nd at 157 pounds.
2007 • Gardner Takes Las Vegas
- Tanner Gardner became the first Stanford wrestler to win the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, defeating Tony Pescaglia (Missouri) 9-7 in the final of the 125-pound bracket.