Matthews scores third-place finish in DC wrestling debut

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Defiance College wrestling team opened their season with a trip to Case Western Reserve for the Bob Del Rosa Ohio Intercollegiate Open and freshman grappler Drew Matthews claimed third place in his bracket on Sunday.

A Liberty Center grad, Matthews went 4-1 in his first collegiate competition. He competed in at 141 pounds in the freshman and sophomore half of the open. His first bout was an 8-4 win by decision followed by a second round pin in the final minute of the opening period. He then reached the semifinals with a 4-3 decision but was pinned in the semis and handed a 3-1 loss. The third place match went to Matthews by forfeit to earn his first podium finish.

Kaiden Luikart, an Elgin grad, also saw his first college action as a freshman wrestling at 157. Luikart went 0-2 for the day. He was defeated 12-1 but went the distance in his opening match and was defeated by fall in the first period of his consolation match.

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Defiance's next scheduled wrestling match is on Jan. 18 at Alma College.

-JACKETS-