JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - The Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team opened it season on Saturday with a strong showing at the Dr. Bob Kellogg Open hosted by MacMurray College. The Panthers's day was highlighted by Caleb Craig who took top honors at 141 pounds while Adam Bender finished third at 125 pounds. 

Craig won three matches on the day, two by fall. In the quarterfinals, Craig pinned Noah Meyers in the second period. After a 7-2 decision over Isaac Martinez from North Central, Craig was in the championship match. Again, Craig made short work of his opponent, Vincent Rink from North Central, as he was pinned in 2:17. 

Bender lost his opening round match, but took down Haiden Dill, who wrestled unattached, in 1:08 of the consolation round. After a 11-5 decision in the consolation semifinals, Bender had worked his way into the third place match. The redshirt freshman then face Shuji Mizoguchi from North Central. Bender took home a major decision over Mizoguchi, 12-4. 

Wrestling unattached at 141 pounds was Andrew Parker who finished in fifth place after going 3-2 on the day. Parker's day included a 9-4 decision in the opening round and a 22-5 tech fall in the consolation rounds. 

In total the Panthers featured five wrestlers participating unattached. Both Clay Critchfield and Trevor South made challenges at 157 pounds. Critchfield won his opening round match 13-3 over Daevon Sloan from Lincoln. He went 1-3 on the day. Trevor South finished 2-2, picking up wins over Devionin Yancey from Lincoln in the opening round and Critchfield 3-0 in the fifth place match. Christian Hudson wrestled at 165 unattached and finished fifth. 

The Panthers will travel to St. Louis on Saturday, November 9th to compete in the Kaufman Brand Open. The annual event is hosted by Maryville University.