MARIETTA, Ga. — The #1 Life University Wrestling team found extensive success at the Battle in the Bluegrass tournament, securing multiple individual titles and top placements this weekend. Standout performances solidified their position as the dominant team at the event hosted by the University of Cumberlands. 

At 133 lbs, Thaddeus Long was unstoppable, winning all his matches by fall, including a decisive pin in the finals against #12 Chandlar Akins from Cumberlands (Ky.) to claim first place. At 149 lbs, Bret Minor swept his bracket with three major decision victories, highlighted by commanding wins over #19 Tyler Okada of Waldorf and #25 David Pierson of St. Thomas University in the championship bout.

Reese Jones emerged victorious at 165 lbs, showcasing dominance with two technical falls before defeating teammate Austin Paradice in a hard-fought 3-1 decision in the final. Paradice finished as the runner-up in the weight class after a strong run that included a fall and a decision victory in earlier rounds.

Steven Villalobos delivered a stellar performance at 174 lbs, edging out #14 Leo Galasso from Indiana Tech in a thrilling 8-7 decision to secure first place. Jesse Perez continued his unbeaten streak at 184 lbs with two technical falls and a dominant 9-0 major decision in the finals against #2 William Speight of Lourdes University.

At heavyweight, Nate Glass capped off the tournament with a dramatic sudden victory in the finals, defeating teammate Earnest Johnson 4-3. Glass's path to the title included a combination of falls and a technical fall, while Johnson's impressive run earned him a well-deserved second place.

Other notable performances included Adrian Morales, who placed third at 125 lbs with multiple major decision victories, and Avant Stepherson, who finished as the runner-up at 157 lbs after advancing to the finals with a tech fall and two major decisions. Konlin Weaver secured seventh place in the same weight class with two technical fall victories.

Alexander Couto battled through the 174-lb bracket to finish sixth.

The Running Eagles' dominant showing at the tournament, which included champions in six weight classes, highlights the team's depth and talent. The Running Eagles now turn their attention ahead to next year's HAWK Classic Open.