GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Life University NCWA dominated the first two rounds of NAIA competition at the Rocky Top Duals, putting on a statement performance against Pikeville and Williams Baptist that highlighted just how tough and deep the Running Eagles' NCWA lineup is. Life U NCWA followed that effort by defeating NCWA power Liberty University, completing a perfect 3–0 day in Gatlinburg.
Life University NCWA vs. Pikeville (52–0)
Life U NCWA opened the day with a commanding shutout of Pikeville, winning all ten bouts to secure a 52–0 team victory. Kolby Dempsey set the tone at 125 lbs with a 3–0 decision, followed by an 18–1 technical fall from Adrian Morales at 133 lbs.
The momentum continued as Ethan Sellers and Camron Crump delivered back-to-back falls at 141 and 149 lbs. Jaden New added a 20–2 technical fall at 157 lbs, Payton Brooks secured a pin at 165 lbs, and Zion Smith posted a 13–2 major decision at 174 lbs. The upper weights sealed the sweep as Gilbert Marquez recorded a fall at 184 lbs, Connor Cooper earned a technical fall at 197 lbs, and Ryan Krimpelbein closed the dual with a pin at heavyweight.
Life University NCWA vs. Williams Baptist (51–0)
The Running Eagles stayed sharp in their second dual, again sweeping all ten bouts for a 51–0 shutout. Dempsey opened with a fall at 125 lbs, while Morales followed with another bonus-point victory at 133 lbs. Peyton Hoskins delivered a dominant technical fall at 141 lbs, and Camron Crump added a hard-fought decision at 149 lbs.
Life continued to separate through the middle of the lineup as Nathaniel Santos and Diego Barron earned falls at 157 and 165 lbs. Zion Smith added another pin at 174 lbs, Connor Cooper earned a decision at 184 lbs, Gilbert Marquez posted a fall at 197 lbs, and Devin Dudley capped the dual with a technical fall at heavyweight.
Life University NCWA vs. Liberty (38–7)
Life U NCWA completed the perfect day by taking down NCWA power Liberty University with a 38–7 victory. Kolby Dempsey opened the dual with a 15–0 technical fall at 125 lbs, while Adrian Morales followed with a 15–3 major decision at 133 lbs.
Ethan Sellers added a technical fall at 141 lbs, and Camron Crump recorded a 19–4 technical fall at 149 lbs. Jaden New continued the momentum with a fall at 157 lbs. Despite dropping close bouts at 165 and 184 lbs, the Running Eagles maintained control of the dual, as Zion Smith earned a decision at 174 lbs, Connor Cooper added a major decision at 197 lbs, and Ryan Krimpelbein sealed the win with a fall at heavyweight.
