FIRESTORM WRESTLING SPLITS WITH VANGUARD AND SIMPSON
GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Arizona Christian University wrestling program (6-3; 2-1 Cascade) lost its early dual against Vanguard University (2-1; 2-1 Cascade), 26-15, but finished off the afternoon with a 30-20 win over Simpson University inside the ACU Events Center.
Overview
ACU was without ranked wrestlers Eli Gonzales (No. 5 in 125) and Austin Roman (No. 13 in 285) during Friday's duals, but the Firestorm still looked good overall with several big wins to celebrate. In total, the Firestorm won four matches over ranked individuals.
ACU's Chris Kelly and Jack Latimer both defeated solid opponents and Korben Shuler picked up his first-ever collegiate victory in a 5-2 decision. Evan Janson pinned No. 18-ranked Elian Murillo of Simpson, Alex Newberry earned a 6-3 decision over No. 20-ranked Conrado Lopez from Simpson, and Connor Rosane moved up a weight class (197) to defeat No. 10, Jacob Gonsalves of Simpson.
The Results
ACU vs. Vanguard
125: Joshua Whaley (Vanguard) over Unknown (ACU) (For.)
133: Mario Barrios (Vanguard) over Evan Janson (ACU) (Fall 3:51)
141: No. 8 Chris Kelly (ACU) over No. 14 Gabriel Cortez (Vanguard) (Dec 5-1)
149: Jack Latimer (ACU) over Adam Valdez (Vanguard) (Dec 4-2)
157: Alex Newberry (ACU) over George Zuniga (Vanguard) (Fall 4:27)
165: No. 8 Frederick Padilla (Vanguard) over No. 15 Andrew Torres (ACU) (Dec 11-5)
174: No. 4 Armon Fayyazi (Vanguard) over Josiah Opp (ACU) (TF 18-3 5:37)
184: Baron Gaunt (Vanguard) over VA Ili (ACU) (Dec 3-2)
197: Korben Shuler (ACU) over Ryan Ortiz (Vanguard) (Dec 5-2)
285: No. 19 Michael Ruiz (Vanguard) over Caleb Baker (ACU) (Dec 5-2)
ACU vs. Vanguard Extra Match Results
141: Michael Leinenger (Vanguard) over Tannor Calloway (ACU) (MD 10-1)
157: Caleb Trumbull (Vanguard) over Samuel Hernandez (ACU) (Dec 17-10)
184: Gaunt (Vanguard) over Lano Luna (ACU) (Dec 8-1)
ACU vs. Simpson
125: Nicholas Stringer (SU) over Unknown (ACU) (For.)
133: Evan Janson (ACU) over No. 18 Elian Murrillo (SU) (Fall 1:28)
141: Adrian Marrufo (SU) over Tannor Calloway (ACU) (TF 20-4 6:45)
149: Jack Latimer (ACU) over elijah Blake (SU) (TF 15-0 6:42)
157: Esteban Molina (SU) over Samuel Hernandez (ACU) (SV-1 8-6)
165: Alex Newberry (ACU) over No. 20 Conrado Lopez (SU) (Dec 6-3)
174: Carlo Castagnaro (ACU) over Layten Briggs (SU) (Fall 2:32)
184: Josiah Opp (ACU) over (SU) (For.)
197: Connor Rosane (ACU) over No. 10 Jacob Gonsalves (SU) (MD 9-1)
285: Jacob Vincent (SU) over Caleb Baker (ACU) (Fall 2:28)
Thoughts from Coach
After the win, Head Coach Travis Patrick said, "Today was a good day for Firestorm wrestling and an indication that we are heading in the right direction. As they have all year, our guys rose to the occasion and adjusted to the changes thrown at them. Jack and Chris highlighted the Vanguard dual, both beating quality, ranked opponents. The Simpson dual had many highlights, but huge wins from Alex and Connor over really talented, ranked wrestlers led the way. A full weekend off is much needed as we look to finish strong and punch guys through to nationals.
Next Up
The Firestorm host Wayland Baptist on Sat., Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. Arizona Time inside the ACU Events Center in Glendale, Ariz.