By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Life University men's wrestling team put together a dominant day on the mat, sweeping a trio of NAIA opponents in Gatlinburg with convincing wins over Georgetown (Ky.), Cumberlands (Ky.), and Campbellsville (Ky.). The Running Eagles showcased depth across the lineup, piling up bonus points and controlling the pace in all three matchups.
Life University vs. Georgetown (Ky.) (47–6)
Life U opened the day with a commanding performance against Georgetown, winning nine of ten bouts and racking up 47 team points. Mikey Doerr got things started at 125 lbs, needing just 1:30 to secure a fall over Wyatt Payne. After a forfeit at 133 lbs went to Georgetown, the Running Eagles ran away with the win.
Dominic Ruiz earned a solid 12–7 decision at 141 lbs, before Mauro Michel followed with a lightning-quick fall in just 0:56 at 149 lbs. Fabian Padilla continued the momentum at 157 lbs with a 21–4 technical fall, while Alexander Couto and Reese Jones added back-to-back technical falls at 165 and 174 lbs, respectively.
The upper weights sealed the lopsided victory. Tre Morrisette posted a 20–4 technical fall at 184 lbs, Anthony Lowe recorded a fall at 197 lbs, and Gabriel Jacobs closed the dual with a pin at heavyweight to cap the dominant effort.
Life University vs. 12 Cumberlands (Ky.) (34–9)
The Running Eagles carried their momentum into the second dual, earning a 34–9 victory over Cumberlands. Mikey Doerr got things going with a thrilling decision over #5 Matteo Vargo. Mauro Michel earned a decisive fall at 141 lbs over #15 Eli Payton, and Dominic Ruiz followed with an 11–5 decision at 149 lbs.
Douglas Terry added a major decision at 157 lbs, and Alexander Couto delivered a 21–6 technical fall at 165 lbs. Life continued to separate at the middle and upper weights, as Kendall Norfleet recorded an 11–2 major decision at 184 lbs, Gio Jackson earned a major decision at 197 lbs, and Gabriel Jacobs closed the dual with an 18–3 technical fall at heavyweight.
Life U claimed eight of ten bouts in the dual, including six bonus-point wins, to secure the convincing team victory.
Life University vs. 7 Campbellsville (Ky.) (39–9)
Life capped the day with another emphatic win, defeating Campbellsville 39–9 behind eight bonus-point victories. Mikey Doerr set the tone early at 125 lbs with a fall in 2:11. Mauro Michel followed at 141 lbs with a dominant 13–3 major decision, while Douglas Terry picked up a forfeit at 157 lbs.
Alexander Couto was once again outstanding, earning a 23–7 technical fall at 165 lbs, and Reese Jones needed just 2:27 to secure a fall at 174 lbs. Tre Morrisette added a hard-fought 14–10 decision over #6 Brice Parks at 184 lbs. Gio Jackson and Gabriel Jacobs closed the dual with victories at 197 lbs and heavyweight, respectively.
The Running Eagles won eight of ten bouts in the final dual, putting an exclamation point on a strong showing at Rocky Top Duals.
