The two-time defending OAC champion wrestling team kicked off their 2017-18 season with a convincing victory over cross-town rival John Carrol University by the score of 42-3.
Leading the way for the Yellow Jackets were Charles Nash, Anthony Arroyo, and Gabe Mahaney, who scored pinfall victories over their opponents.
On top of those performances, Chris Doyle scored a technical fall in his match.
Following their victory over the Blue Streaks, the Yellow Jackets placed second out of 11 teams in the Trine Invitational.
Grant Rathburn and Dante Ginnetti, who placed first in their respective weight classes, led the team to their second-place finish.
Additionally, Chase Craft, Chad Craft, Michael Carpenter and Benjamin Hoof all placed second in their respective weight classes.
Senior Tyler Maclellan said the wins give the team momentum.
“This was a great way to start the season, especially with the win over Carrol,” he said. “I am looking forward to us building off of that match and keep winning matches.”
Though early in the season, Maclellan said expectations are high.
“Coach [Jamie] Gibbs has us prepared physically and mentally,” he said. “I think we can do big things this season.”
Gibbs, in his seventh season, has developed the squad into a top ten program in the nation.
He holds a current record of 71-29 in his career. On top of the athletic successes, he has also led the program to elite academic status, which led to their inclusion on the NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association) scholar list for the third straight season.