Columbia Wrestling Secures 27-15 Victory Over Cleveland State in Season Opener

Columbia Wrestling Secures 27-15 Victory Over Cleveland State in Season Opener

November 16, 2024 Catherine Williams Sports

Columbia Wrestling Triumphs Over Cleveland State 27-15

Cleveland, Ohio – The Columbia wrestling team secured a 27-15 win against Cleveland State in their first dual match of the season. The match took place on Friday night at Woodling Gymnasium.

Columbia (1-0) and Cleveland State (0-1) each won five bouts. However, Columbia gained crucial bonus points from three pins, a tech fall, and a major decision, enabling them to earn the victory. This win marked Donny Pritzlaff’s first dual win as head coach.

Pritzlaff praised his team, stating, “Our five leaders took charge tonight. Kai got us going and we kept the momentum. Half the lineup displayed the killer instinct we preach, and we will improve from this.”

Columbia started strong, achieving a 1-0 dual record for the first time since the 2018-19 season. The Lions also improved their historical record against Cleveland State to 2-0, having previously won 34-12 in 2019.

Cleveland State took an early 6-0 lead with wins in the 125 and 133-pound bouts. Ben Aranda won 6-4 over Sulayman Bah at 125 pounds, and Jake Manley followed with a 9-3 victory against Boris Witmer at 133.

At 141 pounds, 26th-ranked Kai Owen shifted the momentum by pinning Landen Duncan in just 2:30. Richard Fedalen then extended Columbia’s lead with a pin over Connor Saylor at 149 pounds, pushing the score to 12-6.

Cleveland State’s Douglas Terry responded with a narrow 4-2 decision over Rawson Iwanicki at 157 pounds. However, Columbia dominated the next three bouts. No. 29 Cesar Alvan pinned Tate Geiser in just 1:01 at 165 pounds. Jack McGill followed with an 18-3 tech fall over Gavin Ricketts at 174 pounds. Nick Fine capped the win with a 10-1 major decision over JR Reed at 184 pounds.

Cleveland State closed the match with victories at 197 and 285 pounds. Joey Lyons won 6-1 against Ike Schmidt, and No. 22 Daniel Bucknavich secured a 3-0 win over Vincent Mueller.

Match Results:

  • 125: Ben Aranda (Cleveland State) def. Sulayman Bah (Columbia) | Decision, 6-4
  • 133: Jake Manley (Cleveland State) def. Boris Witmer (Columbia) | Decision, 9-3
  • 141: #26 Kai Owen (Columbia) def. Landen Duncan (Cleveland State) | Fall, 2:30
  • 149: Richard Fedalen (Columbia) def. Connor Saylor (Cleveland State) | Fall, 5:36
  • 157: Douglas Terry (Cleveland State) def. Rawson Iwanicki (Columbia) | Decision, 4-2
  • 165: #29 Cesar Alvan (Columbia) def. Tate Geiser (Cleveland State) | Fall, 1:01
  • 174: Jack McGill (Columbia) def. Gavin Ricketts (Cleveland State) | Tech Fall, 18-3
  • 184: Nick Fine (Columbia) def. JR Reed (Cleveland State) | Major Decision, 10-1
  • 197: Joey Lyons (Cleveland State) def. Ike Schmidt (Columbia) | Decision, 6-1
  • 285: #22 Daniel Bucknavich (Cleveland State) def. Vincent Mueller (Columbia) | Decision, 3-0

Next Match:
Columbia will face No. 9 Michigan on Sunday. The match will start at 5 p.m. ET and will be available for live streaming on Big Ten Plus.

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