MIDWAY, KY. - The Kentucky Wesleyan College wresting team produced the program's first dual win on Tuesday evening. The Panthers defeated Midway University in dramatic fashion 26-19 as Kairus Washington sealed the victory win a pin in the final match of the night. 

"Our guys hand fought extremely well tonight," said Head Coach Rob McCabe. "It showed in the second and third periods where we were able to blow open the matches. Winning six of the eight contested matches shows that our guys are willing to fight and go the distance."

Wesleyan fell behind early as Adam Bender lost a tight match at 125 pounds, 4-1. However, LaMont Wilson gave the Panthers the lead with a 16-7 major decision over Brent Newcomer at 133 pounds. Wilson was dominate in his match over Newcomer, utilizing his speed to take down one of the top wrestlers in NAIA. 

Caleb Craig at 141, Andy Santana at 157, and Angelo Talabert at 174 all recorded major decisions on the night while Dallas Miles eared a hard-fought 4-2 victory at 165 pounds. After Talabert's match at 174 pounds gave the Panthers a 20-7 lead. The Eagles picked-up 12 points due to forfeits at 184 and 197 pounds. 

"Miles gutted out his victory," continued McCabe. He stepped up and got a takedown late to get the win, that match was a key win."

As all eyes turned towards the heavyweight match as the Eagles were within one, 20-19. Washington was taken down early in the match trailing Isiah McDougal. However, Washington took McDougal down to his back. As McDougal struggled to get to the edge of the mat, Washington pressed his shoulders down, giving the Panthers the victory with a pin at 1:53. 

The win marks the first in program history and the first for first-year Head Coach Rob McCabe. The Panthers will stay local as they will travel to Crestview Hills, Kentucky on Wednesday for a match with Thomas More.