MARIETTA, Ga. -- The Life University wrestling team put forth a strong showing in the Georgia Open this weekend, with several standout performances across multiple weight classes. The team secured numerous podium finishes, highlighted by three individual champions.

Top Performers

Pat Gould (141 lbs), Konlin Weaver (165 lbs), Jesse Perez, Kendall Norfleet (184 lbs), Earnest Johnson (285 lbs), and Doug Dittmer (197 lbs) were all standouts for Life University, dominating their brackets and competing for the top spots with a series of decisive victories. Gould capped off his tournament with an impressive fall in the championship match against #3 Kael Brisker (Southeastern), pinning the returning All-American in just 1:44. Konlin Weaver (165 lbs) also had an impressive performance, claiming the 165 lbs bracket. In his final bout against Brent Nicolosi (Mount Olive), he secured a strong 10-4 decision. Weaver opened the tournament with two consecutive pins before holding on to a key semifinal 2-1 decision over Jakob Chisolm (Montevallo).

Thaddeus Long (141 lbs) secured a commendable 3rd place with a consistent performance throughout the tournament, highlighted by multiple technical falls. He concluded his run with a victory by forfeit in the 3rd place match. Colson Elliot (149 lbs) fought hard to earn a 4th place finish after a close loss (14-12) to Garrett Wood (Lander) in the 3rd place bout. His journey including several pins and a medical forfeit win in the consolation semifinals.

In the 165 lbs category, Jordan Roberts-Mallek claimed 7th place after battling through the consolation rounds. Mikey Doerr (125 lbs) finished 6th after a solid run that included multiple pins and an injury default win. Frankie Font (141 lbs) also placed 6th, consistently scoring points through decisions and majors. Kaleb Rahoi (157 lbs) fought hard to a 6th place finish, racking up a pair of pins and decisions before being halted by Garrett Wood (Lander) in the consolation semifinal.

In the 174 lbs category, Zion Smith emerged as a standout, finishing in 6th place with dominant wins, such as a tech fall over Hunter Macklin (25-7) and a hard-fought quarterfinal victory (6-4) against Chase Price from Pikeville. Despite a close semifinal loss to Lenny Feliciano of Southeastern, Smith's early victories secured him a place on the podium. Noah Flisser also made a notable impact, finishing 8th. Flisser's tournament run included a swift 50-second fall against Jace Graham (Andrew College) and a solid decision win (11-6) over Cole Sykes (Montevallo). After being stopped by Feliciano in the quarterfinals, Flisser rebounded with another fall but was edged out in a close match (8-6) against Chase Price. Additionally, Anthony Delgado displayed resilience with multiple wins, including a fall over Dylan Kasperzyk (University of Tampa) and a decisive 17-11 victory over Jostyn Zayas (Lindsey Wilson).

In the 184 lbs category, both Jesse Perez and Kendall Norfleet finished as co-champions after a forfeit in the final match. Perez's path to the top included three victories by fall, contributing a team-high 22.0 points. Norfleet, not far behind with 19.0 points, showcased his versatility with a mix of falls and decisive wins, such as a tight semifinal match against Cody Kirk (Pike Road). Gio Jackson secured a 6th-place finish. 

The 197 lbs category was dominated by Doug Dittmer, who clinched first place. Dittmer's journey was marked by a series of falls. In the final, he concluded the tournament with a hard-fought win (4-3) over John Parker (Newberry). Meanwhile, Landon Williams secured 4th place with a fall over Gunner DeGroat (The Citadel) and a strong run in the consolation bracket, highlighted by a major decision (10-2) against Raife Smart (Mount Olive).

In the heavyweight 285 lbs division, Earnest Johnson led the way with a 2nd-place finish. Johnson's performance featured a tech fall (15-0) and a semifinal win against Bryce Wheatley (4-1) before falling to Isaac Sheeren (Lander) in the final match. Spencer Dacus also battled through the heavyweight bracket to a 6th place finish. Dacus displayed an array of falls in the consolation rounds but was forced to forfeit his final two matches due to injury.

Other Notable Contributions

Tyree Henry (125 lbs) displayed resilience, winning several matches by fall and decision before being eliminated by fall in the 5th consolation round. Dominic Ruiz (141 lbs) performed admirably, securing multiple victories, including a tech fall and a decision win, before bowing out in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Dante Olivero (149 lbs) and Avant Stepherson (149 lbs) showed promise, with Olivero making a deep run in the consolation rounds and Stepherson securing two early dominant wins by fall and tech fall. Alexander Clark (165 lbs) rounded out the team's efforts with a strong showing, finishing 6th and earning wins by tech fall and decision before a narrow semifinal loss by fall.

Overall, the wrestling program saw standouts and progress across various weight classes contributing to the team's overall success. 

Up next, the men's team travels to face Truett-McConnell for a dual on Nov. 20th.