CORBIN, Ky. - UPIKE wrestling opened its 2024 season at the Patriot Open this past weekend.
Freshman Brandon Didat got the Bears started with a fifth-place finish in the 125-weight class. Didat won 10-2 in major decision over Cumberland University's JaRi Campbell, then defeated Cristian Rojas of Rochester University 14-9, then pinned Bluefield State's Larry Rhodes in the quarterfinal. Didat was defeated in the semifinal by RCU's Amauri Wright, then was defeated by Cristian Rojas in the consolation semifinal. Didas finished the day with a no contest win over Brady Byrd of Indiana Tech to secure fifth place at 13.0 team points for UPIKE.
Ethan Croom was defeated by Bellarmine's Leland Reeves in his opening match of the 133-weight class but bounced back in consolation round two with a 19-2 win over Cornerstone's Josiah Petersen. Croom kept the momentum going with wins of 14-10 over Cleary's Luke Connick and a fall victory over WVU-Tech's Blayson Jordan. Croom's day on the mat ended in the fifth round of consolation after a 16-6 major decision loss to Montevallo's Noah Smith. Croom won three matches and recorded 5.5 team points.
Hayden Canady also made his UPIKE debut in the 149, and it started with a bye in round one and a loss to Cornerstone's Asher Christie in round two. Canady received a bye in consolation round three, but his day came to an end after a loss to Central Baptist's Mason Nguyen.
Sophomore Chase Price finished fifth in the 174, starting with a win over Brewton-Parker's Trevon Harden and a pin of Marian's Peter Sells in the quarterfinals. Price was defeated 8-5 by Montevallo's Cole Sykes then was defeated by Aiden Knight of Montevallo in the consolation semifinals. Price ended the afternoon with a no contest win over Bellarmine's Aiden Butler. Price won two matches and won a no contest in another, totaling three wins and 12.5 team points.
In the 149, Calvin Moon drew a bye in the first round but was defeated by Dante Olivero of Life University in round two. Moon received a bye in consolation round two before dropping a 9-4 decision to Joseph Kindred of Southeastern University to end his day.
In the heavyweight class, ReGinald Whyte received a first-round bye, then faced off against Ian Clifford of Indiana Tech. Whyte was defeated after a fall at 5:12, then received a bye in consecutive round two. Whyte's day ended with a major decision loss to Bellarmine's William Muckler.
As a team, the Bears finished in 20th place. Coach Travis Mallo's team will be back in action in Franklin Springs, Ga., for the Georgia Open hosted by Emmanuel University.
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