Permanent link for GVSU Wrestling Competed in the Ben McMullen Open and the Tiffin University Women's Open on November 6, 2024

The Grand Valley State University Wrestling Club, focusing on growth, displayed grit and resilience over the weekend as the men's and women's teams took to the mats for early-season tests. The men competed in the Ben McMullen Open at Muskegon Community College, while the women headed to the Tiffin University Women's Open in Ohio. Although the competitions were tough, the Lakers walked away with valuable experience, showcasing a season of growth and hard work.

In the 125-pound division, freshman Zach Koenig made a notable impression with a fiery start. Koenig opened with a fall over Liam Castricone from Niagara CC, followed by an impressive 41-second pin against Mott Community College's Keenan Pake. His aggressive style propelled him into the semifinals, where he met Muskegon CC's Jack Guerrero. Despite a valiant effort, Koenig fell to Guerrero by a technical fall. In the consolation semis, Koenig was pinned by Ayden Downing of Niagara CC, rounding out a hard-fought day.

At 141 pounds, Jacob Bathas won his opening about in a close 9-7 decision over Muskegon CC's Owen Cruden. Batha's journey was cut short by a technical fall loss to Dylan Phelps of Olivet College in the quarterfinals, and his day ended with a loss in the consolation rounds against Brennan Bolen from Western Michigan's club.

Ellery Smith, competing at 165 pounds, began his day with a pin over Sonny Gilbert from Marian University Ancilla. Smith advanced to the quarterfinals but was stopped by Alma College's Carter Melonio. In a close consolation about, Smith fell to Calvin Huggler from Alma College with a 7-2 decision.

Heavyweight Jason Smith led the men's team with a fourth-place finish. After a first-round bye, Smith advanced due to an injury default by Olivet College's George Daniel. He was defeated by Jayson Roy from the University of Michigan's club in the semifinals but bounced back in the consolation semis with a major decision win over Dennis Weston of Marian University Ancilla. In the third-place match, Smith was pinned by Brody Miskimon from Alma College.

Head Coach Ryan Lancaster praised the men's team's determination and relentless effort. "Every match, every minute on the mat, these young men are learning and growing," Lancaster remarked. "Wins and losses don't just measure success; it's about the fight, the resilience, and the constant pursuit of improvement. I'm proud of the grit they showed out there and excited to see how this experience shapes them for the rest of the season."

The women's team competed intensely at the Tiffin University Women's Open, with wrestlers Ayla Lipscomb, Krysta Luce, and Sophia Sunior stepping onto the mats against tough opponents.

Despite the early exits, Lipscomb's determination underscored her potential as she took away valuable lessons to fuel her future growth.

In the 180-pound division, Luce faced Jordan Torres-Carrillo from Tiffin University in a closely contested match, ultimately falling 8-6. In the consolation rounds, Luce met Mia Gaetjens from Adrian College, who secured a technical fall. Luce's performance demonstrated her resilience and promise as she continued to build her skill set in collegiate competition.

Sophia Sunior, competing at 207 pounds, faced a formidable first-round opponent in Mount Union's Lyndsee Young, who claimed a 10-0 technical fall. In the consolation rounds, Sunior advanced with a bye but was defeated by Kiley McClain from Bluefield State, who won by fall. Sunior's performance highlighted her willingness to compete and grind it out against strong opponents.

Reflecting on the women's performance, Coach Lancaster noted, "Every time these women step on the mat, they gain critical experience to fuel their growth as wrestlers. The Tiffin Open was a reminder that while the scoreboard may not always reflect the effort and heart these athletes put in, each match is a building block in their journey. We're not just looking for winsýwe're building resilience, grit, and skills that will pay off in the long run."

Both the men's and women's teams showed flashes of potential and moments of growth that will set the stage for the season ahead. The Ben McMullen Open and Tiffin Open gave the GVSU Wrestling Club a glimpse of their strengths and areas for improvement, laying a solid foundation. These teams are ready to push their limits and bring intensity to each upcoming tournament, leaving the audience hopeful for future performances.

Categories: Wrestling
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