The No. 7 nationally ranked Baldwin Wallace University Yellow Jacket wrestling team defeated NCAA Division II opponent, West Liberty University Hilltoppers 24-12 on the team’s Senior night of recognition. Baldwin Wallace tallied five decisions, one major decision and one technical fall.

The team honored six wrestlers; Adam Green (38-47 career record), Benjamin Hooff, Aaron Kelly (49-23 career record), Zeckary Lehman, Charlie Nash, and Nick Sbrocco (69-37 career record). All wrestlers mentioned have had exemplary careers while wrestling at Baldwin Wallace, they say “it’s been an honor to have learned from someone like Coach Gibbs”. Three of the six seniors have landed themselves on the All-Time Baldwin Wallace University wrestling victory leader board. Benjamin Hooff, posts a 76-45 career record. Charlie Nash with a 106-40 career record and Zeckary Lehman takes the top current spot with a 115-28 career record as of print. All wrestlers still have time to grow in the win category as they will be competing in mid-March.

Two days after senior day, the Yellow Jacket wrestlers competed in the John Carroll Open. Freshman 141-pounder Connor Deboe earned a first place finish after winning his quarterfinal match with a 21-3 technical fall. He secured his first place finish with a 4:06 pin. 197-pounder Matthew Werts took home a second place finish after winning his quarterfinal match in a 10-5 decision. Third place was junior 165-pounder Ryan Orr, he opened his day with a 12-1 major decision before securing a 2-1 tie breaker in the quarterfinals, contributing to the successful day for the younger Yellow Jacket wrestlers on the mats.

Fortunately, for the team the season will continue. This gives the wrestlers the opportunity to improve their personal records and the possibility to acquire some hardware as a team.

The Yellow Jackets are back in action Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28 and 29 when they travel to Adrian, Michigan to compete in the NCAA Central Region Championships. The tournament will be held at the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center.

Following the Region Championships, the NCAA Division III Championships will be held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at the Cellular Center. That will take place Friday March 13 and Saturday March 14. The team is extremely excited to see what they can accomplish during the remainder of the season. Coach Gibbs said he has confidence in every last one of his wrestlers, and knows they will be ready to compete at a high level, like they have been doing all season long.