DECATUR, Ind.--With a roster dominated by freshmen, Adrian College proved its mettle against the big boys of NCAA Division III Wrestling versus the ninth-ranked Little Giants from Wabash College on Wednesday night.
While Wabash (2-0) did pick up a 32-7 win over the visiting Bulldogs here at Bellmont Middle School, the latter made an experienced WC squad look a little sluggish by falling behind early in several bouts.
Chris Diaz opened the night at 125 pounds with a technical fall to start off the meet for the Little Giants.
Adrian was led by freshmen Don Mandell and Angus Arthur who won their respective bouts at 165- and 197 pounds. Mandell defeated Connor Brummett by decision in overtime while Arthur bested Brett Thumm by major decision.
The 133-pound match was the bout of the night. After trailing for much of the contest, Wabash's AJ Belden scored two third-period takedowns, the second coming on the edge of the mat with a slick over-under throw, to take freshman Joe Dombrowski to his back to earn near-fall points as time expired for a 9-4 win.
Adrian freshman Daniel Shear went back-and-forth with Tim Locksmith at 149 pounds before Locksmith used a defensive counter into a throw for six points late, eventually winning 13-7.
At 174, Ethan Farmer just got by Adrian freshman Tristen Nevadomski with a slim 4-1 decision.
Adrian (3-1) travels to Olivet, Mich., on Saturday for the Olivet College Duals, while Wabash goes to Wisconsin to compete in the Concordia Tournament.
#AdrianBulldogs
Wabash 32, Adrian 7
125: Chris Diaz (W) defeated Alex Baysinger (A) TF 15-0
133: A.J. Belden (W) defeated Joe Dombrowski (A) 9-4
141: Michael Venezia (W) defeated Trenton Roesly (A) MD
149: Tim Locksmith (W) defeated Daniel Shear (A) 13-7
157: Nick Bova (W) defeated James Pace (A) by Tech Fall
165: Don Mandell (A) defeated Connor Brummett (W) D
174: Ethan Farmer (W) defeated Tristen Nevadomski (A) 4-1
184: Riley Lefever (W) defeated James Davis by Tech Fall
197: Angus Arthur (A) defeated Brett Thumm (W) Major Decision
HWT: Jake Barclay (W) defeated Alex Bata (A) MD 8-0
