CLEVELAND, Ga. (November 3, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University wrestling team is set to begin their 2021-2022 season at No. 2 Life University on Thursday, with a match time set for 7:00 p.m.

The Bears had their best season in program history last year, with a runner-up finish at the AAC Tournament, which featured four athletes earning a ticket to the NAIA National Championships: Geowel Silvestre (141), Ian James (174), Hans Evatt (184) and Ethan Powell (285). TMU finished 38th out of 52 teams, featuring two decision wins and a pin in the opening round. TMU concluded their 2020-2021 season with the best record the program has ever seen, 7-7, 4-2 AAC.

"We are excited to compete as a team tomorrow as we dual Life University," said Head Coach Patrick James. "Our returners have been pushing the pace in the room and continue to raise the bar of intensity every year, and our freshman class has come in and really bought into the TMU Wrestling culture and into the process we put them through.

According to the NAIA Top 20 Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Bears were featured receiving votes (12), along with three individual rankings: No. 16 Geowel Silvestre (141), No. 19 Ian James (174) and No. 16 Ethan Powell (285). Amongst these three returners are senior leaders, Brandon Navixay and Leonel Silvestre.

"This team is ready to compete, and we could not be more excited to get on the mat and scrap for every point. As we go into the season, we ultimately look to continue to strive for excellence in all things for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

TMU will host their home opener Wednesday, December 15, where they will face Thomas More University at 1:00 p.m., inside the TMU Volleyball/Wrestling Arena.