Macon Reporter

Millikin University Athletics issued the following announcement on Jan. 6

The 13th ranked Millikin wrestling team went 2-1 in the first day of action at the NWCA National Duals being held January 6-7 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Millikin won its first dual against Springfield College 29-17. The Big Blue trailed 17-3 after the first five matches before rallying to win at five straight weight classes. Sophomore Zac Blasioli, ranked 12th nationally at 133 pounds, won Millikin's only match in the lower weight classes a 5-0 decision.

 

Bradan Birt started the final five winning streak for Millikin at 165 pounds. Birt, the number two wrestler at the weight in NCAA Division III, won by a technical fall 19-0 over Noah Beal Hernandez. Sophomore Dejon Glaster won by fall at 174 pounds with a pin at the 5:57 mark. Micah Owens picked up a forfeit at 184 before Niles Ager scored another victory by fall at 197 at 4:10 over Sam Ware. The Big Blue's final victory came at 285 pounds where Brayan Reyes won 3-2 in the first tiebreaker. Reyes started the day ranked 13th in the latest NWCA rankings.

 

Its second dual, the Big Blue suffered its first loss of the season falling to third ranked Wisconsin-La Crosse 26-14. Millikin opened the dual with Tommy Russell winning by fall at 1:45 over Brandon Murray at 125 pounds. In a battle for nationally ranked wrestlers, Blasioli won over #14 Sawyer Starbacker 4-3. Birt won a battle of top five wrestlers at 165 pounds winning by technical fall 16-0 over fifth ranked Seth Brossard.

 

Against #19 Averett, Russell improved to 18-1 on the season opening the match with a 16-1 technical fall win over Danile Parkulo. At 133 pounds, Blasioli won his third match of the day defeating Mason Barrett 4-1. Blasioli in now 17-2 on the year.

 

Trailing 17-8, Birt picked up his third win of the day for the Big Blue at 165. He improved to 20-0 on the season with a win by fall at 1:27 over Landon Childress. Heading to 184 pounds, Millikin trailed 20-14, but Downs tied the match at 20-20 with a win by fall at 1:49. Ager game Millikin a 25-20 advantage with a 17-2 technical fall win at 197. Reyes sealed the victory for Millikin winning at 285 by fall at 5:56 over Millikin stays alive at NWCA National Duals. The pin game the Big Blue a 31-20 victory. Reyes improved to 19-1 on the season.

 

Millikin will face Johnson & Wales University on Friday at 8 a.m.

Original source can be found here.