Wrestlers sweep Jarvis, recognize seniors

Four seniors were recognized and Wayland Baptist won both the men's and women's duals when the Pioneers hosted Jarvis Christian on Tuesday evening at Hutcherson Center. The WBU women – ranked the equivalent of 24^th in the NAIA – won over Jarvis – ranked the equivalent of 29th – 40-5, while the Pioneer men – ranked the equivalent of 41^st – prevailed, 30-22.

Due to incomplete lineups, mostly on Jarvis' side, only six matches were contested, and Wayland won five including a pin by Malakai Owens at 165 pounds in the evening's final match.

"We appreciate Jarvis coming out to compete and give us a senior night," said WBU assistant coach Mich Napier.

As for the performance of the Pioneer teams, Napier was pleased as the wrestlers gear up for the Sooner Athletic Conference Championships.

"The women performed well. They did a lot of the things we have been working on," Napier said. Joseph (Galvan) fought hard and we are proud of his efforts. Malakai went out and wanted to put on an emphatic show with a big pin to finish the night!"

The duals were the second against Jarvis in recent weeks. The WBU men beat the Bulldogs at the AMC/SAC Duals on Jan. 28 in Batesville, Ark., 30-12, while the Pioneer women prevailed over Jarvis on Jan. 13 at the York Duals in Nebraska, 30-4.

Next for the wrestlers are the SAC Championships to be contested at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth on Feb. 18 for the men and Feb. Feb. 25 for the women.

(Senior bios are below.)

Wayland Baptist Women 40, Jarvis Christian 5
101: Maya Conde (WBU) won by forfeit
109: Malarie Dominguez (WBU) won by forfeit
116: Leah Ford (WBU) won by forfeit
123: Danyl Pippin (WBU) won by forfeit
130: Erron Grimes (WBU) won by forfeit
136: Addi Cronk (WBU) won by forfeit
143: Reagan Davis (WBU) won by decision over Chloe Buchanan (JCU) (Dec. 2-0)
155: Alexandria Hernandez (WBU) won by technical fall over Lydia Mondero (JCU) (TF 11-0)
170: Morgan Senior (WBU) won by decision over Natalie Bryant (JCU) (Dec. 5-0)
191: Samyra Thomas (JCU) won by fall over Anai Santiago (WBU) (Fall 2:21)
 
Wayland Baptist Men 30, Jarvis Christian 22
125: Cedric Abney (JCU) over Joseph Galvan (WBU) (MD 12-0)
133: Alex Pena (WBU) won by forfeit
141: Steven Flowers (WBU) won by forfeit
149: Darian Solis (JCU) won by forfeit
157: Gabriel Moblicci (WBU) won by forfeit
165: Malakai Owens (WBU) won by fall over Ideal Reyes (JCU) (Fall 2:35)
174: Rudy Campo (JCU) won by forfeit
184: Double Forfeit
197: Brandon Chapin (WBU) won by forfeit
285: Charles Boovay (JCU) won by forfeit
 
WBU Senior Introductions

Olivia Ricci is from Fort Worth and attended Keller Central High School. While majoring in criminal justice with a minor in psychology, Olivia achieved a GPA of 3.9 and earned numerous academic honors over the past several years, including Academic All-Sooner Athletic Conference and NAIA Scholar-Athlete. After graduating, Olivia would like to begin a career as a state park ranger. She is escorted tonight by Mr. Brandon Chapin.

Steven Flowers is from Rowlett, Texas, just outside of Dallas and attended Rockwall High School. While majoring in business with a specialization in cybersecurity, Steven earned a spot on the Dean's List and also was named to the All-Sooner Athletic Conference Commissioner's List. After college he plans to move to Dallas, find a job and save up for his future. Steven is escorted tonight by his mother, Remi Flowers.

Kaleb McAlexander hails from Mesa, Ariz., and is a graduate of Mountain View High School. His highlights at Wayland include competing at events like the U.S. Open and Senior Nationals and, according to Kaleb, "shocking the world and finishing his bachelor's degree with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. After college he plans to work as a Licensed Professional Counselor and prepare to compete in Greco at USA Wrestling events because, he said, "retirement at 23 makes me sad." Kaleb is joined by his father Justin McAlexander, his girlfriend Oakley Norris and son Deklyn Norris.

Brandon Chapin is a native of Arlington, Texas, and attended Arlington High School. Over the past four years at Wayland, Brandon was a four-year starter for the Pioneers, a member of the honor society for education and passed the education test on the first attempt. A social studies education major, he'll be graduating with a 3.0 GPA. Brandon plans to return to his hometown of Arlington and coach wrestling. He's escorted tonight by Olivia Ricci.