MARIETTA, Ga. (November 4, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University wrestling team traveled to face No. 2 Life University in their season opener on Thursday, where the Bears fell to a final team score of 54-0.

Most notable, TMU was featured receiving votes in the latest NAIA Wrestling Coaches Top 20 Preseason Poll.

The reigning national champions came out hot, forcing the Bears to work hard from behind. After a few tough matches, junior Mitchell Thompson put up a fight at 165, battling LifeU all three rounds. Thompson fell short of a win with a final score of 2-11. Sophomore Hans Evatt followed up at 184 with a battle of his own, earning a takedown in round two to steal the lead (3-2). LifeU gained momentum to take back the lead, but Evatt persevered, forcing the match to three rounds, ultimately falling short 3-10.

See full results above

Up next, the Bears will hit the road to compete at the Patriot Open, hosted by University of the Cumberlands, Sunday, Nov. 7.