COLUMBIA, Ky. ( December 11, 2021) - On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University wrestling team competed at the NAIA Challenge Duals, hosted by No. 2 Lindsey Wilson College. The Bears secured their first team win of the season over West Virginia University Tech, with a final score of 40-16. TMU followed up with a hard fought match against RV Texas Wesleyan University (23-30), while falling in tough matches against No. 10 Cumberland University (13-40), RV Thomas More University (8-39) and No. 2 Lindsey Wilson (9-38). 

Most notable, junior Mitchell Thompson continued to dominate at 165 with a dual record of 4-5, featuring a pin against Texas Wesleyan (6:15), a technical fall against West Virginia Tech (20-4), a decision win over Cumberland (7-3) and a decision win over Thomas More (9-2). In his last 10 appearances, Thompson has earned a personal winning record of 9-10. 

Junior Geowel Silvestre followed up at 141 going 3-4 on the mat, including a first period pin against Texas Wesleyan (1:07), a pin against Lindsey Wilson (2:01) and a major decision win over Cumberland (8-0).

Sophomore Hans Evatt recorded two pins at 184 against Cumberland (3:41) and West Virginia Tech (1:22), while junior Brandon Navixay earned a technical fall of his own over Texas Wesleyan (16-1). Junior Nolan Cook earned a sudden victory at 197 over Lindsey Wilson with a score of 6-4, followed by a technical fall at 184 for freshman Will Parker (15-0), a pin at 157 for freshman Nate Bennett (2:50) and a technical fall at 174 for senior Ian James (20-4).

See full results above.

Up next, the Bears are inside the TMU Volleyball/Wrestling Arena for their home opener, where they are set to face Thomas More University at 1:00 p.m.