Wrestling team loses to University of Chicago, 21-19

The Olivet College wrestling team fell to University of Chicago, 21-19, tonight at the Ratner Athletics Center in Chicago. Each team won five matches, but two Comet losses by major decision proved to be the difference in the match.

Junior 125-pounder Kyle Labrecque (Battle Creek/Lakeview) had the first three Olivet team points with a 5-1 win. Sophomore Blake Gardner (Mount Morris) posted a thrilling 5-3 overtime win at 133 pounds. Junior Rob Yahrmarkt (Sparta) added three more team points by winning 6-3 at 141 pounds.

Chicago got its first four team points after the Comets suffered a 12-2 loss at 149 pounds. Six points were added to the Comets' team score when junior Jason Brew (Sparta) recorded a pin in 3:41 at 157 pounds.

Three straight wins for the Maroons tied the match at 15-15. Olivet went ahead, 19-15, after sophomore Joey Yurisich (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) beat his opponent 13-2 at 197 pounds. A fall in the 285-pound match allowed Chicago to go home with a 21-19 victory.

The Comets return to the mats Sunday, Jan. 27, when they host the Grand Valley State University club team. Action gets under way with junior varsity matches at 2:30 p.m., followed by the 10 varsity matches at 4 p.m.