Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. --- The No. 2 Life University men's wrestling team got pay back for a road loss last season, staying unbeaten in Appalachian Athletic Conference play Thursday night with a 26-14 victory over No.10 Reinhardt under the spotlight in the Upper Gym.

The night started with low scoring decisions that saw Life U wrestlers control their opponent on the way to victory. Brandon Orum got things rolling at 125 lbs, while Jacob Ruiz and Jordan Mitchell followed him up to see the Running Eagles hold a 9-0 lead after three. Mitchell's 2-1 decision victory came as an upset over the 16th-ranked 141 lbs.

After winning three straight, the Running Eagles lost the only three matches they would the entire night to see themselves in a 14-9 deficit with four bouts to go. 

At 174 lbs., Riley Smucker got things back on track, recording a solid 3-2 decision over an opponent ranked 13th. Myles Starke followed him up with another ranked victory for the Running Eagles, this time a 5-3 decision over an Eagle that was ranked 16th to give the team a 15-14 edge.

The already raucous crowd became even more so in the final two bouts as Zane Lanham and Austin Harris dominated their foes. Lanham provided what were essentially the deciding points, throwing his opponent for just over five and a half minutes before ending things with a 18-3 tech fall. Another victory in the bonus came from Harris, the transfer tipping his opponent onto their back and securing the pin as the first period drew near expiring to see Life U finish on top 26-14.

Head coach Omi Acosta opened by speaking on wrestling at home, "First, I would like to thank God for the guys wrestling the match being healthy, and second for the opportunity to compete tonight. The guys showed up and fought; they protected the Eagle's Nest, which is one of the most important things that we have talked about. When we brings somebody home, we have to make sure that we fight as hard as we can." He continued, breaking down the night and looking ahead, "We lost some close matches, but I am extremely proud of the guys and how they showed up and competed tonight in front of their home crowd. Now we just keep preparing for our next couple of home duals and the National Tournament. Thank you to everybody that made it out and supported tonight."

The Running Eagles travel to the Appalachian Open this Saturday in Boone, N.C. before returning home for a dual against St. Andrews Tuesday night at 7 PM.