Men's Wrestling has Strong Showing in Loss to Nationally-Ranked #13 Alma College

ADRIAN, MICH. – For the first time in 31 years, in front of a packed crowd of 700 fans, there was college wrestling in the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center as the Adrian College wrestling team took the mat against #13 Alma College. The Bulldogs – dormant since 1984 – couldn't come away with a win as a team, falling to the nationally-ranked Scots 27–11. But the Bulldogs had plenty to be proud of as many of their wrestlers had strong showings against the more experienced Scots, who were ranked as high as No. 5 earlier this season.

Adrian freshman Joe Dombrowski came out on fire in the second match of the night. Dombrowski finished the first period of the 133 weight class match up 15 to 5 over freshman opponent Anthony Pizzo. After the opening period, the match would become a back and forth affair with both competitors displaying plenty of sound wrestling. In the second period, Dombrowski started on the bottom and, while he couldn't get out of Pizzo's holds, he was able to prevent any scoring. Dombrowski held off a furious attempt by Pizzo in the third period coming away with a 16–7 major decision. The victory gave the Bulldogs a brief lead putting them up 4–3.

In the first round of the 149 weight class match, Ty Jasman came out strong against Alma junior Anthony Lesko, coming away with six hard-earned points to end the period up 6–0. In the second, Jasman scrapped his way to two more points while not surrendering any to build his lead to 8–0. Jasman would complete the major-decision victory with a final score of 9–0.

In the highly anticipated 197 weight class match nationally-ranked opponents from both schools faced off in a contest that would go down to the wire. Tenth-ranked Bulldog freshman Angus Arthur faced off with fifth-ranked Scot senior Jamie Jakes in the match. The first period saw both wrestlers feel out the other, but Arthur was able to come away with a slight edge, ending the period up 1–0. The first minute of the second period saw Arthur build his lead to four, but a late push by Jakes brought him back into the match with a score of 5–2 going into the third. But the lead would be enough for Arthur as he held off the senior to finish off the upset with a 5–3 decision. The win brings Arthur's record to 18–0 for the season.

In the last match of the night, Adrian freshman heavyweight Josh Colegrove gave nationally #3 ranked Alma senior Trevor Maresh all he could handle. The match entered the third period with no score. But Maresh would score a quick escape point and then add on a takedown to come out on top 4–0. Maresh's victory gave Alma their final points giving them a 16-point victory.

Adrian will take the mat for its second and final home contest against Trine University on Tuesday, January 19, at 7 p.m.

Angus Arthur, Joe Dombrowski and Ty Jasman posts wins for the Bulldogs, who made their home debut for the first time since 1984.

#13 Alma College 27, Adrian College 11

Thursday January 14, 2016 / Adrian, Mich. – Merillat Sport and Fitness Center

Official: Dan Jaksetic / Attendance: 701

Results: (ALM - ADR)

125: Victor Sosa (ALM) over Brandon Harris (ADR) (7–1 Dec) (3–0)

133: Joe Dombrowski (ADR) over Anthony Pizzo (ALM) (16–7 MD) (3–4)

141: Romeo Riley (ALM) over Aaron Ward (ADR) (FALL, 6:29) (9–4)

149: Ty Jasman (ADR) over Anthony Lesko (ALM) (9–0 MD) (9–8)

157: Shawn Brewer (ALM) over Connor McDill (ADR) (5–3 Dec, Overtime) (12–8)

165: Taylor McPhail (ALM) over Donny Mandell (ADR) (15–5 MD) (16–8)