Wrestling team has 3-0 record at Scranton (Pa.) Duals

The Olivet College wrestling team had a 3-0 tonight at the Scranton (Pa.) Duals. The Fighting Comets defeated the host Royals (30-10), Wilkes (Pa.) University (29-14) and Plymouth State (N.H.) College (27-12).

The dual meets marked a homecoming for Olivet head coach Steve Laidacker. Prior to coming to Olivet last season, Laidacker was head coach for four years, an assistant coach for 15 years and a standout wrestler for Scranton.

Leading the way for Olivet were sophomore 133-pounder Robert Dodson (Elsie/Ovid-Elsie High School), sophomore 165-pounder Mike Andrews (Swartz Creek High School) and sophomore 197-pounder Jeff Wright (Rock/Escanaba High School). All three wrestlers had a 3-0 record.

Dodson won by forfeit against Scranton and 11-2 and 11-3 major decisions against Wilkes and Plymouth State, respectively. Andrews won all three of his matches by major decision (14-1, 18-7 and 13-3). Wright won by pin (1:19) against Scranton, 14-3 major decision against Plymouth State and disqualification against Wilkes.

In addition, sophomore 184-pounder Ryan Newberry (South Haven High School) and junior heavyweight Mike Mikalakis (Jeddo/Port Huron Northern High School) picked up two wins. Newberry won his matches by decision (6-2 and 2-1). Mikalakis won by forfeit and a 6-1 decision.

The wrestlers will next compete in the Bud Whitehill Division III Duals this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9-10, at Lycoming (Pa.) College. At the duals, 20 teams will be competing. Olivet has received a bye in its first round and will face the winner of the University of Wisc.-Lacrosse vs. Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology match on Friday afternoon at 12 noon.