Wrestling team bows out of NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals with 1-2 record

The Olivet College wrestling team bowed out of the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals today with a 1-2 record. In their first match, the Comets defeated Buena Vista (Iowa) University, 24-12. In the second round, they were shutout by No. 1 seed Wartburg (Iowa) College, 47-0. Olivet suffered a 19-16 loss to Johnson & Wales (R.I.) University in the second round of the consolation bracket.

Against Buena Vista, the Comets earned the victory by winning seven-of-10 matches. Freshman 133-pounder Adam Wilson (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) put the first three points on the scoreboard for Olivet with a 5-4 win.

After falling behind 6-3, the Comets took a 9-6 lead with wins by freshman Vince Lahar (Clio) at 149 pounds and junior Jason Brew (Sparta) at 157 pounds. Lahar won by a 6-3 score over Aaron Cook, who entered the match with a 19-2 record. Brew, No. 2 in the latest NWCA rankings, posted a 3-1 win over Joey Verschoor, No. 4 in the NWCA rankings.

A pin put Olivet behind by six points, 12-9. Four straight wins, including two by one point, propelled the Comets to the come-from-behind victory. Junior Kyle Vanderhyde (Sparta) got the string going with a 9-8 victory at 174 pounds. Sophomore Joe Bargerstock (Livonia/Churchill) followed with a 7-6 win at 184 pounds. At 197 pounds, sophomore Joe Yurisich (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) had the biggest win of the match, pinning his opponent with just 25 seconds left in the match. Sophomore heavyweight Sean Misko (Richmond) closed the match with a 5-0 shutout victory.

Against Johnson & Wales, the Comets had a pair of one-point losses to start the match. Freshman Ben Hitchcock (New Lothrop/Montrose) cut their deficit in half with an 8-2 win at 141 pounds. Lahar put Olivet ahead 7-6 with a 19-9 major decision victory. Brew gained three team points with a 9-4 win. However, a pin at 165 pounds and 17-8 major decision win at 174 pounds allowed the Wildcats to take a 16-10 lead.

Bargerstock won 11-4 to make the team score, 16-13. A minor decision win at 197 pounds pushed J & W's lead back to six points. Needing a pin to tie the match, Misko was able to score three team points with a 4-1 win at 285 pounds.

The Comets are back in action next Saturday, Jan. 19, when they participate in the Al Hanke Invitational, which is hosted by Elmhurst (Ill.) College. Action gets under way at 9 a.m. CT.