SAINT PAUL – Austin senior Brennen Russell took first place in his weight class and the Packer wrestling team finished 10th out of 16 teams at the Veldman Invite in South St. Paul Saturday.

Russell beat two returning state qualifiers to get the 126-pound championship. He pinned his first two opponents, beat Chris Ortman 4-3 in the semis with a second period takedown and he beat Logan Kass of Benilde-St. Margaret on an injury default early in the match in the in the finals.

“Brennan Russell had a fantastic day,” Austin head coach Bill Kinney said.

Nathan Brinkman took third for the Packers as he had two pins.

“Nate really turned it on this weekend,” Kinney said. “It’s great to see him wrestle this well.”

DevonFelten took fifth at 138 for Austin, Brandon Cotter was fifth at 145, Aiden Wilson was seventh at 106 and Mitch Tebay was eighth at 170.