In Friday night's tough-fought dual in Fayette, Peacock wrestling trumped the Bearcats in an 18-15 decision. This was the second time these two teams have gone head-to-head after McKendree defeated Upper Iowa 21-18 at the NWCA National Duals in early January.
The competition was so close in scoring that every bout was decided by decision except at 125, where UIU's
Jackson Heaston won by forfeit and collected six team points.
In the 133 match,
Dawson Schmit pulled off a win as the time was expiring. The score was tied 1-1 with just seconds left in the last frame when Schmit executed a takedown to notch the 4-1 victory. The Peacocks held a 9-0 lead to start the match.
Next up was
Ryan Wehner (141), who was tied with tied 1-1 with #3 Ronan Schuelke going into the third round. That score held, and the bout was sent into sudden victory, where McKendree recorded a takedown in overtime to nab the win. The Bearcats cut into the lead and trailed the home team 9-3.
Ethen Doty (149) fell to #7Joey Semerad in a narrow 8-7 decision. Doty held a 4-2 lead going into round three, but two takedowns by McKendree gave them the upper hand. The team scores are 9-6, in favor of UIU heading into the 157 bout.
At 157,
Dalton Schams trumped his opponent in a nail-biting finish. The 157-pounder scored a takedown in the final seconds after an official review and finished on top 4-1.
Collin Altensey (165) trailed 3-1 after the first round and ended up falling in a 10-4 decision to #7 Cory Peterson. After that bout, UIU was ahead 12-9.
In the next competition,
Lawson Losee (174) started down 4-0 going into round three, he dropped by a 4-1 decision, and the score was tied at 12 apiece.
Cotler Bye (184) trumped his opponent in a 5-1 decision. He escaped in round three to the score 1-1, followed up with a takedown to take the bout 4-1. Bye's 5-1 win gives the team the 15-12 lead.
Geoffery Freeman (197) fell in a 7-2 decision with a McKendree takedown in the remaining seconds of the bout to boost the score. The dual was tied up at 16 apiece going into the last match of the night.
Joshua Gaye wrestled at heavyweight for the Peacocks and came up clutch in his 9-5 decision. He recorded two takedowns, a reversal and an escape to fuel his victory and send the Peacocks to their 18-15 lead.
Men's wrestling is back home on Jan. 31 against Indianapolis at 7 p.m.
UIU-18, MCK-15
