Wrestling team splits two matches at Spartan Duals

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The Olivet College wrestling team split two matches today at the Spartan Duals inside Jenison Field House in East Lansing. The Comets, who are ranked No. 8 in the NWCA Top 30 poll, defeated the Oakland University club team, 34-7, and lost to Lock Haven (Pa.) University, 22-15. Olivet was also scheduled to wrestler Mott Community College, but its bus broke down on the way to East Lansing.

Against Oakland, the Comets won eight of 10 bouts, including two by forfeit. Junior Justin Fleeson (Belleville) got Olivet off to a fast start with a 7-3 win at 125 pounds. After a major decision loss for junior Corey Mykolatis (Constantine/Three Rivers) at 133 pounds, senior Vince Tucker (Clio) earned his own major decision win (17-3) at 141 pounds.

At 149 pounds, freshman Gage Pederson (Hastings) added six team points to the scoreboard by pinning his opponent in 4:47. Junior Steven Mena (Martin) was even quicker with a pin in 1:22 at 157 pounds. Senior Justin Jaynes (Richmond) suffered a tough 4-2 loss at 165 pounds.

Junior Trevor Tyler (Roscommon) answered by posting an 18-3 technical fall victory at 174 pounds. Sophomore Josh Crawford (Birch Run) and senior Aaron Sullenger (Alpena) had the forfeit wins at 184 and 197 pounds, respectively. At 285 pounds, freshman Andrew Simpson (Tecumseh) capped the victory by pinning his opponent in 1:20.

Lock Haven got off to a fast start with wins in the first four weight classes. Mena put the first Olivet team points on the scoreboard with a 6-4 win. Jaynes rebounded from his earlier loss by defeating his opponent, 3-1. After a loss at 174 pounds, senior Jim Neal (Marysville) won his only match of the day by major decision (10-2) at 184 pounds. Junior Justin Leonard (Webberville) followed with a technical fall victory at 197 pounds.

The Comets will wrestle at Manchester (Ind.) College next Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m.