SALEM, Ore. – The (RV) Corban University men's wrestling team competed for the first time inside the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center on Thursday evening, launching the squad's inaugural season in front of a raucous Warrior crowd.
RESULTS
Click the 'Play Button' above to watch video highlights from tonight's dual.
In a match dubbed 'The Grind for the Grail,' Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) foe Warner Pacific spoiled the celebration with a 29-24 dual win. Regardless, the excitement surrounding the thrilling start of a new chapter at Corban University remained tangible long after the final match.
"It was awesome to finally get to see our guys in a real competition," said head coach Keegan Davis. "I thought they battled hard and represented themselves and Corban well. We definitely have some things we can improve on, but overall, I am proud of our guys."
The night began with a pair of non-counting exhibition matches, both of which were won by the Navy and Gold. The Warriors' C.J. Richmond (125 lbs.) defeated Warner Pacific's Conner Finch by a 9-4 final score, igniting the home crowd.
Falemalama Van Weggen (197 lbs.) then earned a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Alvaro Venegas (285 lbs.), showcasing his grit and resilience in his introduction to Warrior fans.
After the Knights' Austin Wallace-Lister took down Ryan Davis by way of a technical fall in the 133-pound matchup, Joe Foster (141 lbs.) earned Corban's first-ever victory by way of fall in his battle with Aaron Vang.
It didn't take long for the feat to happen again, as No. 9-ranked Levi Perry pinned Edward Schmelzer in a dominating debut performance.
Overall, the Knights claimed five of the seven counting matches from the evening, claiming the 29-24 team triumph.
Despite the outcome, excitement surrounding the program remains high, as Warrior coaches, players, and fans all played a role in Thursday's historic event.
The Warriors (0-1) will enjoy a day off before returning to action on Saturday, traveling north to compete in the Clackamas Tournament.