Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. ---- The No. 2 nationally ranked Life University men's wrestling team honored its seniors both before and during the team's dual against Allen University, dominating the Yellow Jackets on the mat 55-0.

Before the match began, the staff honored graduating seniors, Randy McCray Jr, Yarhoski Aldiva, Denver Stonecheck, Case Merritt, Baker Hadwan, and Diallo Matsimela. The team put on a show for its seniors, winning seven of the 10 matches via pin.

The match started quickly with McCray Jr. earning a lopsided 21-3 tech fall victory over his opponent. Quin McGlamery and Marcus Abreu followed that up with two straight first period pins, McGlamery recording his in only 0:58 while Abreu got his in 2:59. At 149 lbs, Michael Castillo went the distance, winning a tightly contested match with a 3-1 decision.

The next three matches saw three more pins put on the board for the the Running Eagles. Jack Bass earning his first in 1:32 at 155 lbs. Julian Hernandez came next, wrestling up two weight class but still pulling off the pin in 4:58, while Mason McDaniel took the 174 lbs. match via fall in 1:40.

The final victory not pulled off by pin came at 184 lbs. where Myles Starke came just short of a pin, earning a second period tech fall 20-3. The final two matches ended quickly, Matsimella earning a 51 second pin over his opponent, while JJ Perez finished things off with a pin in 1:27 for his first official match donning Life U colors to give the Running Eagles the 55-0 victory.

Head coach Omi Acosta had this to say following the win, " There's no such thing as a perfect match-- we can always do more. There were some matches that guys didn't finish, cause we always look for pins, but as always thank you for the opportunity as we prepare for our conference matchups next weekend. We are healthy and God is on our side, so we will be good. Lucha."