(Due to two post-match forfeits by Otero, Wayland was given a 28-18 win.)
GOODLAND, Kan. – Wayland Baptist men's wrestling team split matches here Thursday night, first falling to seventh-ranked Otero Junior College (Colo.), 25-18, before defeating Northwest Kansas Technical, 30-18.
In the evening's other match, Otero defeated Northwest Kansas Tech, 34-14.
First taking on Otero, the 13
th-ranked Pioneers were competing for the first time in three weeks, and coach
Aaron Meister said it showed.
"We were a little rusty. Having that much time off isn't ideal," he said. "But my hat's off to Otero. They're ranked seventh in junior college and did a good job."
Both teams won five matches, but Otero took three by fall.
"That was the big difference. You can't give up those pins," Meister said.
"It was a little frustrating. It's not what we wanted to happen but it's what we needed. We talked about it, and the next dual we came out and executed and looked a lot better."
Taking on Northwest Kansas Tech for the second time this season (WBU won its season-opener Nov. 1 in Plainview over the Mavericks, 31-19), the Pioneers were much sharper. Wayland prevailed in six matches, including pins by
Adelfo Valdez,
Demarco Speller,
Jose Alvarez and
Riley Williams.
Meister said Speller, Alvarez and Williams along with
Drake Lovvorn all won both of their matches.
"They all did a great job," the coach said.
The split moved Wayland's dual record to 6-7 on the season.
The Pioneers will head to Ottawa, Kan., where they will be joined by the seventh-ranked WBU women in taking on Ottawa University at 9 a.m. Saturday. The men then host Bacone Feb. 4 in their last regular-season match of the season.
"We want to carry this last win over to our next couple of competitions, and then it's on to regionals," Meister said. "From there we'll see if we can finish what we started."
(WBU Wrestlers Listed First)
Wayland Baptist 28, Otero JC 18
125:
Adelfo Valdez won by forfeit
133:
Demarco Speller def. Gunner Iaffoon by dec.
141:
Abraham Rodriguez lost to Trey Waltz by fall
149:
Damarea Speller def. DJ Hendrickson by dec.
157:
Logan Rock lost to Rashawn Benford by fall
165:
Romen Correa lost to Aaron Trygstad by fall
174:
Jose Alvarez def. Kalin Winkler by dec.
184:
Drake Lovvorn def. Anthony Lodermeier by dec.
197:
Riley Williams def. Jared Smith by dec.
Hwt:
Nik Gates won by forfeit
Wayland Baptist 30, NW Kansas Technical 18
125:
Adelfo Valdez def. Fabian Guerrero by fall
133:
Demarco Speller def. Freddy Morales by fall
141:
Abraham Rodriguez lost to Austin n/a by dec.
149:
Damarea Speller lost to James Taylor by dec.
157:
Logan Rock lost to Ryan Snow by fall
165:
Zach Mitchell def. Dom Evans by dec.
174:
Jose Alvarez def. Kyle Rodriguez by fall
184:
Drake Lovvorn def Turau Reed by dec.
197:
Riley Williams def. Chance Shall by fall
Hwt:
Tim McCutcheon lost to Odgi Batk by fall
