Wrestling team splits two matches at Eastern Michigan Triangular

The Olivet College wrestling team split a pair of dual meets against NCAA Division I competition today at the Eastern Michigan University (EMU) Triangular. The Comets defeated Duquesne (Pa.) University, 23-15, and dropped a 20-9 decision to the host Eagles.

Freshman 285-pounder Keith Sterly (Petoskey) led Olivet with two wins. He beat Joe D’Orsie from Duquesne, 8-0, and Jake Wood from EMU, 7-1.

Also picking-up wins against Duquesne were freshman Kyle Labrecque (Battle Creek/Lakeview) at 125 pounds, freshman Jason Brew (Sparta) at 149 pounds, senior Ken Andrews (Swartz Creek) at 157 pounds, freshman Kyle Vanderhyde (Sparta) at 165 and senior Jeff Wright (Escanaba) at 197 pounds.

Labrecque earned a major decision win, 17-5. Brew, Vanderhyde and Wright each recorded minor decision wins, 10-4, 4-2 and 4-3, respectively. Andrews pinned his opponent in 3:08.

All 10 matches against EMU were decided by minor decisions, including three one-point wins by the Eagles. In addition to Sterly, senior Mike Andrews (Swartz Creek) won 9-3 at 174 pounds. Senior Ryan Newberry (Grand Junction/South Haven) also won by six points, 13-7, at 184 pounds.

Olivet, ranked 11th in the latest NCAA Division III national rankings, is back in action Thursday, Jan. 25, when it hosts the Grand Valley State University club team. Action from the Upton Center begins at 6 p.m. with several junior varsity matches, followed by the 10 varsity matches.