Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. --- The No. 2 Life University men's wrestling team continued their stellar start to the 2023-24 campaign Wednesday night, cruising through RV Brewton-Parker College in AAC competition with a 45-9 victory under the spotlight in the Upper Gym.

The night started in favor of BPC in the first bout as the Barons opened the dual with a tech fall. After that, Ethan Sellers got things rolling at 133 lbs earning an impressive first round tech fall, just beating the first round horn 15-0.

Brett Minor then followed him up with another tech fall to to see the Running Eagles take a 10-4 lead after three. At 149 lbs, Cole Homet continued the domination, pinning his opponent after a first round take down just over two minutes into the opening round. Not to be outdone, Alexander Couto wasted no time pinning his opponent earning a take down and near falls just moments into the opening period before earning the fall 36 seconds in.

After two consecutive pins, the Running Eagles lost at 165 lbs but carried a 22-9 lead into the final four bouts. 

At 174 lbs., Tre Morissette got things back on track for the Running Eagles easily taking care of his opponent. Morissette controlled the entire bout, tossing his opponent for three takedowns and a near fall before pinning just over a minute into the bout. Myles Starke continued the dismantling with another easy victory for the Running Eagles, this time a 17-2 tech fall over his opponent from the Barons.

The end of the dual was just as fun for Life U as both Michael Gibson and Cole Feliciano dominated their foes. Gibson's bout was quick, tossing his opponent for a pair of takedowns in a span of 20 seconds before his opponent medical defaulted to award Life U another six team points to bump the score to 39-9. The final victory came from Feliciano as the heavyweight tipped his opponent onto their back and secured a quick pin 21 seconds into the bout. 

Head coach Omi Acosta shared his thoughts on the team's performance and environment, stating, "First I want to give a shoutout to the Brewton-Parker coach, they had a well-coached team and we could tell a difference. They're getting a lot better. — However, today was a great day for Life University Wrestling and my guys ended up coming out on top. The guys responded well in a great environment and we're going to keep improving and preparing as we have a couple of big duals against #19 UNC Pembroke (NCAA) and #13 Reinhardt (NAIA) next week. Reinhardt's obviously our local rival and I'm really excited to get the guys ready and going next week. Lastly, I want to thank God for the opportunity to compete and for allowing all the guys that wrestled tonight the ability to leave the match healthy... We're going to continue to improve. LUCHA."

The Running Eagles next travel to Waleska next Wednesday for a pair of duals against UNCP and Reinhardt set for 5 and 7 pm, respectively.