Wichita, Kan. - For two consecutive nights Friends Men's Wrestling went into battle. This time was against another conference opponent Oklahoma Wesleyan. The Falcons dominated from start to finish not giving up a single team point. Men's Wrestling would bring their overall dual meet record above .500 (4-3) and keep their KCAC conference record undefeated (3-0).
No. 19
Braden Ledford at 133 lbs started the dual off with a comeback win over the Eagles' Zeke Wheeler. In the 3rd period Ledford had to ride him out the whole period, and in the final seconds was able to grab a two point nearfall to win the match with no time left. Falcons up 9-0
No. 18
Wyatt Gardner went right after and showcased his awareness on the edge of the mat. Grabbing a crucial takedown in the 2nd period to widen the gap. Gardner would win convincingly 12-6. Falcons up 12-0.
In the 149 lb weight class,
Tate Rusher would have the match of the night. Rusher and Donte Lopez of OKWU, would get in tons of different flurries and scrambles and with just a minute left in the match, Rusher would catch him on his back for a pinfall that got the Garvey Center fired up. 18-0 Friends.
The only top 25 matchup in this dual was No. 23
Jason Bowers and No. 22 Peyton Callis at the 184 lb weight class. Bowers would earn this victory winning 10-4 after giving up a 1st period takedown.
The Falcons pitched a shutout in Wichita, with the score being 48-0. The last time they shutout an opponent was just last year against Bethany winning 54-0.
Full Results of Friends vs. OKWU below:
149 -
Tate Rusher (Friends) over Donte Lopez (OKWU) (Fall 6:03)
157 -
Cayleb Atkins (Friends) over Blake Velotta (OKWU) (Fall 1:29)
165 -
Logan Sell (Friends) over David Dell (OKWU) (TF 18-3 5:55)
184 -
Jason Bowers (Friends) over Peyton Callis (OKWU) (Dec 10-4)
Men's Wrestling will participate in the Missouri Valley Invite next Friday the 23rd. The invite will take place in Marshall, Mo. at the Burns Athletic Complex, wrestling starting at 10:00 AM.
