From University of Chicago Athletics
The University of Chicago wrestling team opened the new year by hosting eight teams at the Chicago Duals on Saturday. The Maroons (2-5 overall record) went 1-2 on the day.
The first match of the day came against undefeated Ohio Northern University, who brought a 5-0 record into the day. UChicago got off to a strong start and won five out of six matches from 133 pounds through 174 pounds, which all came via decision. The Maroons held a 15-9 lead, but the Polar Bears rebounded in a big way in the upper weights. ONU swept through the last three matches with a technical fall and two major decisions to close out a 22-15 win.
No. 9-ranked Wabash College (3-0 record) was next on the docket for the Maroons. Sophomore Devan Richter began the dual with a first-period pin at 125 pounds. Sophomore heavyweight Graham Grant closed out with an 8-3 decision victory as well. But between the bookends, the Little Giants dominated and won eight matches in-a-row to come away the victors, 32-9.
UChicago finalized the day against Harper College. Richter pinned another opponent in the first period before Harper ran off three-straight wins. But the home side held strong and won five of the last six contests. Freshman Luke Iida pinned his opponent in the first minute at 157 pounds and junior Paul Papoutsis earned a 12-0 major decision shutout at 174 pounds. UChicago won the dual by a final score of 31-22.
Richter, Iida, Papoutsis and Grant all went 2-1 on the day to lead the Maroons.