INDIANAPOLIS, IN. – For the first time in program history, the Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team made it to day two of the Midwest Classic. The 45
th edition of the event saw
Matthew Velasco represent the Panthers on the second day. Velasco finished the event 3-2.
In total 45 of the 70 Division II two teams in the nation embarked on the journey to Indianapolis. Known as the toughest event on any team's schedule, the Midwest Classic featured 21 of the nation's top 25 teams.
On Saturday,
Matthew Velasco received a first round bye at 141-pounds. He lost his second round match, but marched through the consolation bracket. In the consolation rounds Velasco picked-up two major decisions, including a 10-2 decision over Thomas Fierro from East Stroudsburg in the consolation third round.
Facing elimination in the consolation fourth round Velasco advanced to day two with a 6-5 decision over Ashtan Hendricks from King University. The Panthers' 141 pounder saw his run end on Sunday morning with a 5-3 loss to Avery Bounocore from UNC Pembroke.
The University of Wisconsin Parkside won the team title with 147 points, a dozen more than Central Oklahoma. Parkside came into the Midwest Classic ranked third in the nation while Central Oklahoma was second. Glenville State placed third while McKendree was fourth.
The Panthers will remain idle until the New Year as they will travel to Montgomery Alabama for the Huntingdon Hawk Classic. Competition at Garrett Coliseum is schedule to begin at 9AM CT and continue throughout the day.
Stay up to date on all your Panther news by following @KWCPanthers on X and Instagram and by liking the "Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics" Facebook page. Also, the Panthers Mobile App is available on iTunes and Android featuring real-time news alerts, schedules, exclusive multimedia content, gameday details and more.