CLEVELAND, Ga. (Nov. 3, 2020) – The Truett McConnell University wrestling team is set to host No. 10 Life University on Wednesday evening inside the TMU Volleyball/Wrestling Arena at 5:00 p.m.
"All throughout this year we have talked to the guys about how blessed we are to even be able to compete in this sport this year," Head Coach Patrick James said. "I think that appreciation has shown in our training because these guys have been working very hard for this moment. We are determined to make this season count and finish well. We have the privilege of working with a great group of guys this year, and they have really bought in to our process as a coaching staff."
The Bears will feature 10 returners and 15 incomers, which includes seniors Will Davidson (141), who is a previous AAC champion, Dalton Hardeman and Preston Sartain. TMU will also return two All-AAC runner-ups, Brandon Navixay (125) and Ethan Powell (285), and two Bears who finished in third at the AAC championship; Geowel Silvestre (133) and Nolan Cook (184). Junior Ian James (165), who took fourth in last season's AAC championship, is also returning for the Bears.
"Last season was rocky for our returners, but I think that we set a solid foundation for our program last year with these returners through their hard work and dedication," James said. "This year we have built upon that foundation with this great incoming class, and our culture of hard work, wrestling with purpose, and bringing glory to God first has permeated our program."
Following Wednesday's dual, the Bears will hit the road for two weekend tournaments. First on the schedule is the Patriot Open at the University of the Cumberlands on Saturday, Nov. 7, and then the Life Open on Saturday, Nov. 14.
"This is the most dedicated team I have coached in my short time here at Truett, and I am looking forward to seeing the progress we make as team this season," James said. "These guys will not be satisfied until they are on the podium at the national tournament at the end of the season, and they are working hard every day to achieve that goal."
