INDIANAPOLIS- Great Midwest Wrestling programs competed in several non-conference duals following the holiday break.
Tiffin and Ashland both competed at the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls, IA. Despite recording a 1-4 team record, Ashland’s Wyatt Bailey went 5-0, defeating opponents from Minnesota State, McKendree, Central Oklahoma, King, and Tiffin. The Eagles lone victory came over No. 25 King University. Six AU wrestlers won their respective weight classes including: Luke Acuna (125 lbs.), Donovan Paes (133 lbs.), Hayden Kuhn (149 lbs.), Fernando Lopez (157 lbs.), Nate Barrett (184 lbs.), and Wyatt Bailey (285 lbs.). Bailey is currently ranked No. 12 in the national poll with and 18-6 record.
The Dragons finished 8
th as a team, with seven individual victories against opponents from Mary and Augustana. Casey Barnett highlighted the event with a pin in 3:36 in the 157 lbs. weight class. Barnett’s win puts him at 10-2 on the season and is ranked seventh in the national rankings.
Findlay competed in Virginia Beach at the Virginia Duals, where they finished runner-up. The Rouhgnecks defeated Newberry College to advance to the championship before falling to No. 10 Glenville State. Micah Cottrell paved the way for Findlay, going 3-1 at the event. Cottrell tabbed wins over Kuntztown, Newberry, and Apprentice School. His efforts earned the sophomore’s first-ever Athlete of the Week honor.
Thomas More was victorious over Kentucky Wesleyan to pick up a conference win by a score of 42-14.
IN THE POLLS:
Individual Open Mat Wrestling Rankings
125 lbs.
4. Anthony Aniciete, TU
12. Billy Smith, UF
13. Luke Acuna, AU
141 lbs.
7. Cole Thomas, TMU
149 lbs.
5. Hayden Kuhn, AU
9. Colin Roberts, LEC
157 lbs.
7. Casey Barnett, TU
165 lbs.
1.Nolan Gessler, TU
16. Nate Barrett, AU
174 lbs.
3. Sevi Garza, AU
18. Emilio Arellano, TU
184 lbs.
19. David Davis, TU
197 lbs.
9. Peyton Lemon, AU
285 lbs.
9. Jake Powell, TU
12. Wyatt Bailey, AU
14. Giulian Bodiu, UF
UP NEXT:
Friday, January 16
Tiffin at Glenville State, 4:30 P.M.
Tiffin at Fairmont State, 6 P.M.
Findlay vs. UINDY, 6:30 P.M.
Ashland vs. Davenport, 6 P.M.
Saturday, January 17
Thomas More at Spartan Mat Classic
Sunday, January 18
Findlay vs. McKendree, 1 P.M.