PROVIDENCE, RI – Wilkes University men's wrestling seniors Cameron Butka (Scranton, PA/West Scranton) and Caleb Burkhart (Hughesville, PA/Hughesville) finished competing on day one of the 2025 NCAA Championships on Friday at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.
 
At 197-pounds, Butka cruised to the semifinals with a pair of victories, while Burkhart concluded his season falling twice in the 285-pound bracket.
 
Butka began his day with a bye before a match with Mount Union's Bryce McCloskey in the second round. After a scoreless first period, Butka found his rhythm with a pair of takedowns in the second period to take a 6-1 advantage. He then began the third period on bottom and escaped before adding riding time to secure an 8-2 decision.
 
In the quarterfinals, Butka met the No. 7 seed Dylan Harr of Johnson and Wales University looking to guarantee All-American status for the second straight season. After another scoreless first period, Butka responded in the second frame with an escape and takedown to secure a 4-1 advantage with one period remaining. After Harr chose bottom and escaped to begin the third period, Butka solidified his All-American status with a second takedown in the match and added riding time to claim an 8-1 decision and advance to the semifinals tomorrow.
 
Butka is guaranteed a top-six finish and his second consecutive All-American honor. The senior will face the No. 6 seed Joseph Petrella of Baldwin Wallace University who was an upset winner in the quarterfinals over the No. 3 seed  Ben Kawczynski of Wisconsin La Crosse 4-1 in sudden victory.
 
Butka continued to break his own record for career wins standing 136-23 after day one competition. He also tied the school record for wins in a season standing 41-2, tied with Mark Hartenstine who finished 41-3 in the 2013-14 season.
 
Fellow senior Burkhart saw his career come to an end on day one of the tournament with a pair of defeats. Burkhart began the day in a round of 32 bout against Myles Johnson of Ohion Northern falling by technical fall 18-2 in 5:13. He then dropped an 8-2 decision in the consolation second round against Leno Campbell of Millikin to finish his day.
 
Burkhart concluded his career with a 124-36 overall record, capping his senior season with a 39-9 mark.
 
Day two action will begins tomorrow (Saturday) at 10:00 a.m.