CLEVELAND – Binghamton Bearcat and former Norwich Purple Tornado Frankie Garcia made an appearance in day two of the NCAA Wrestling Championships before falling to Northern Iowa’s Max Thomsen in the consolation wrestlebacks Friday afternoon.

Garcia made his NCAA tournament debut on Thursday against Northwestern’s No.7 seed, Ryan Deakin. Lasting the full seven minute match, Garcia only allowed a decision win for Deakin by giving up just seven points. However, Deakin controlled the match from start to finish, beating Garcia 7-0.

Now knowing he had a long journey ahead, Garcia started his way through the wrestleback rounds later that night.

Facing the Air Force’s Dane Robbins in the first round, Garcia trailed early in the match. Matching nearly point for point on the mat, Garcia landed a move to get Robbins on his back for two back points. Entering the third period of the match, the two were tied at 3-3.

Garcia escaped for the second time in the match, giving him a one point lead but Robbins landed a take-down with just a few seconds remaining. As time expired, Garcia escaped the grasp of Robbins. After a minute of review, officials signaled the point for Garcia, sending the match into sudden victory time.