FINDLAY, OH. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team opened Great Midwest competition on Saturday. The Panthers lost matches to Davenport and Findlay at the Croy Center as
Matthew Velasco led the Panthers with a major decision and pin on the day.
Davenport defeated Wesleyan 34-17 while Findlay took a 43-12 decision over the Panthers. Against Davenport,
Bryson Rowley started things off at 125-pounds. He led Roan Cooper 8-5 after two periods. A take-down and near fall, coupled with a riding time point, in the final period allowed Rowley a 16-5 major decision.
At 141 pounds Velasco did not give up an offensive point in his match against Jacob Harris. Velasco recorded three takedowns enroute to a 10-2 major decision. Cameron Isabel picked a narrow 14-13 decision at 165-pounds over Dustin Mallory. Isabel trailed 10-5 in the opening period, but three takedowns in the second period gave him a 14-12 lead heading into the final two minutes. All Mallory could accomplish is securing a riding time bonus point as time expired.
Gavyn Uribes led 7-2 after the first three minutes in the heavyweight match. Then early in the final period Uribes pinned Gavin Falk to earn six more team points for the Panthers.
Against Findlay Velasco trailed 7-0 after the first period and 7-4 after five minutes. In the final period Velasco had enough gas to takedown Conner Klienberg to his back for a pin with 27 seconds left in the match.
Caden Moore won at 149-pounds via forfeit. At 184-pounds
Maddox Vernon was entwined in a scoreless match after the first two periods. In the final period Donavyn Watts scored an escape and takedown and finished with six points in the frame to defeat Vernon 6-0.
The Panthers will travel to Indianapolis on Saturday and Sunday for the 45
th edition of the Midwest Classic, the most competitive event of the year. Of the 70 NCAA Division II wrestling programs in the country, 45 will be at the Midwest Classic, including 21 of the Nation's Top-25. Competition at Nicoson Hall and the Ruth Lilly Center will begin at 8:30AM CT.
