CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – Belmont Abbey wrestler John Carayiannis earned All-American status for the second consecutive year after winning both of his bouts in the 141-pound weight class at the Division II Wrestling Championships Friday at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse.
 
The two wins earned Carayiannis All-American status and a spot in the semifinals on Saturday. He becomes the first Belmont Abbey wrestler to make the semifinals since Chris Neidermeier accomplished that feat in 2007. He is also guaranteed a top-six finish after finishing eighth and earning All-American honors last year.
 
Carayiannis started the day with an upset of the No. 2 seeded Cayden Henschel from Wisconsin-Parkside in an 8-5 decision. He earned a pair of take downs in the second period to help earn the win in the morning session.
 
He followed that with an victory over Jake Niffenegger of Mercyhurst in a 12-8 decision in the quarterfinals.
 
The result means that Carayiannis will face off against No. 3 seed Zackary Donathan of Tiffin at 11 a.m. EST Saturday. Donathan won both of his bouts with a pin in a combined time of 1:22.
 
In addition to Carayiannis, Maxwell Kiel concluded a strong freshman campaign with his two bouts Friday in the 157-pound weight class. He fell in both bouts via decision, 10-2 to top-seeded Noah Hermosillo of Adams State and 2-0 to Carter Noehre of Colorado School of Mines.
 
141 pounds
First Round: John Carayiannis (Belmont Abbey) def. (2) Cayden Henschel (Wisconsin-Parkside) (Dec 8-5)
Quarterfinals: John Carayiannis (Belmont Abbey) def. Jake Niffenegger (Mercyhurst) (Dec 12-8)
 
157 pounds
First Round: (1) Noah Hermosillo (Adams State) def. Maxwell Kiel (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 10-1)
Consolation: Carter Noehre (Colorado School of Mines) defeated Maxwell Kiel (Belmont Abbey) (Dec 2-0)