ANGOLA, Ind. – The Trine University men's wrestling program utilized early success to secure their first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) win of the season defeating visiting Alma College 32-18.
The dual began with freshman Shaun Pratt contesting the 125 match against Alma's Tyler Demory. Pratt wrestled strongly, but was held off by his competition. Then in the final period of play he came up with the takedown and followed up with a pin, giving the Thunder a 6-0 lead.
Junior Joseph Langeman took the mats next for the 133 match. He looked well on his way to a to a technical fall victory when he scored a pin of his own in the opening minute of the second period. The bonus points doubled the team's lead to 12-0.
The wins continued with junior Jett Boots taking the 141 match over tough competition. He had a few chances to finish the match early but still pulled off a 12-0 major decision victory to increase the team lead to 16-0.
Junior Isaac Hawkins then turned in strong performance dominating the 149 match. He finished off with a technical fall at 4:44 at 18-3. Sophomore Philip Burney recorded his technical fall at the 5:09 mark by the score of 15-0. The two wins increased the lead to 26-0 for the Thunder.
The Scots made a comeback over the next three matches. They won the 165 match with a pin of their own and then followed up with a victories by decisions in the 174 and 184 matches. The wins cut the score to 26-12.
Junior Mason Custer sealed the dual for Trine with a pin in the 197 match at the 4:31 mark. The bonus points gave the team a 32-12 lead, putting it well out of reach.
Alma took the 285 match to give the final score of 32-18.
Trine improves to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in MIAA play after the victory. They will continue their season when members of the team travel to the Alma Open this on Saturday, January 21. That event is set to start at 10 a.m. Their next dual match is scheduled for Thursday, January 26 against Albion College.