Life University Athletics

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. --- Newcomer, Austin Harris dominated the bracket on his way to the Open 285 lb. class title, highlighting what was a strong start to the 2022-23 season for the Life University men's wrestling program Saturday at the Patriot Open.

29 Running Eagles competed in either the Open or Freshman/Sophomore brackets, 16 Life U student-athletes earning a placement. 

Life U's lone champion at the event, Harris made quick work of a bracket that contained the wrestlers ranked 7th, 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th, and 21st at 285. He recorded a pair of pins to start his day, before a 21-2 tech fall in the semifinals pushed him to the first place match. In the final, he faced Cumberlands' Gabe Jacobs, the 15th ranked heavy weight, Harris completing his undefeated day with a third period pin. 

Other top placers included Tyree Johnson, taking third place at 133 lbs., Riley Smucker claiming 2nd at 174 lbs., and Kyle Homet earning 2nd at 184 lbs.

Johnson's day saw him start with a pair of tech fall victories, before a loss by decision against the 5th ranked wrestler placed him in the consolation semifinals. A pair of victories in the consolation bracket saw Johnson end the tournament on a high note. Smucker won all the way to the 174 lbs. championship bought, earning two wins by fall, a tech fall, and decision. In the final match of the day, Smucker lost via injury to see him finish the tournament in 2nd place. Homet's journey to the 184 lbs. championship match was based on three decision victories one of which came over the 24th ranked wrestler. In the 1st place match, Homet faced the No. 3 wrestler in his weight, losing in a tight 8-7 decision.

The Running Eagles compete in a dual at Truett McConnell next week, competition set to start November 9th at 7 PM.

Full Results:

Class / Bracket	Name	Record	Placement
141 lbs / Fresh/Soph	Josiah Fernandez	2-3	6th
157 lbs / Fresh/Soph	Brandon Irigoyen-Camero	1-2	-
184 lbs / Fresh/Soph	Sebastian Rodriguez	1-2	-
125 lbs / Open	Adrian Morales	1-2	-
125 lbs / Open	Chase Ayers	4-2	5th
133 lbs / Open	Tyree Johnson	4-1	3rd
133 lbs / Open	Keegan Slyter	3-3	4th
141 lbs / Open	Reese Jones	2-2	-
141 lbs / Open	Quin McGlamery	2-2	-
141 lbs / Open	Jordan Mitchell	2-2	-
149 lbs / Open	Julian Hernandez	5-2	4th
149 lbs / Open	Logan Reaves	1-2	-
149 lbs / Open	Rex McDaniels	2-2	-
157 lbs / Open	Jaden New	2-2	-
157 lbs / Open	Alexander Couto	0-2	-
157 lbs / Open	Tyler Helfrich-Meyers	4-2	-
157 lbs / Open	Miguel Angel Hernandez	3-2	5th
157 lbs / Open	Gregory Ewert	3-2	4th
165 lbs / Open	Camden Trupp	4-2	4th
165 lbs / Open	Cole Drescher	2-2	-
174 lbs / Open	Riley Smucker	4-1	2nd
174 lbs / Open	Tyler Brandt	5-2	5th
174 lbs / Open	Michael Gibson	5-3	6th
174 lbs / Open	Tre Morrisette	4-2	4th
184 lbs / Open	Kyle Homet	3-1	2nd
184 lbs / Open	Asher Eichert	3-3	6th
197 lbs / Open	Daniel Miranda	1-3	-
285 lbs / Open	Spencer Dacus	1-2	-
285 lbs / Open	Austin Harris	4-0	1st