Wichita, Kan. - The Friends Falcons Men's Wrestling team opened up the year of 2026 with the program best ranked No. 17 in the NAIA. The Falcons would travel across Kellogg to Newman and compete in the Jet Open. Friends would have three placers in the tournament and as a team take 7th place outlasting conference opponent, Ottawa, who would finish one point behind Friends.
Top Performers for the Falcons:
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149 lbs - Tate Rusher | Rusher pinned Bryce Kegley of Newman in his quarterfinals match to advance to the semifinals. Rusher couldn't get it done in his semifinal bout, but soared above everyone else on the consolation side. In the match to get to 3rd place Rusher went against Jaxon Keoltzow of Central Oklahoma, and grabbed another fall in just a 1:33. Rusher would end the day with bronze winning his 3rd place match due to a medical forfeit.
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174 lbs - Benedict Holthaus | Holthaus in his first round matchup grabbed a fall against Matthew Flyingman of Northeast Oklahoma. Holthaus lost in his quarterfinals match but would then battle in the blood rounds of the consolation side. Holthaus went against a KCAC opponent, Spencer Rochelle, of Ottawa University and win 13-8. Holthaus would dominate his next two matches by pinning both of his opponents bringing him to a 3rd place match. He would take on Jaxon Trotter of Cowley College. Holthaus showed resilience throughout the whole day winning four in a row in the consolation bracket. Holthaus fought back after giving up an early takedown and won 15-9 to take home bronze.
Full results for the Jet Open: https://www.flowrestling.org/nextgen/events/14984767/information
https://www.flowrestling.org/nextgen/events/12907542/information
Friends Men's Wrestling will wrestle in a Tri against Concordia (Neb.) and Midland. It will be in Concordia, Neb. and action starts at 5:00 PM on Thursday, Jan. 8th.
