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Men's Wrestling Sends Strong Contingent to Battle in the Bluegrass

12.27.25

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — The Life University men's wrestling team turned in a solid overall performance at the Battle in the Bluegrass on Saturday, producing three individual runner-up finishes, multiple podium placements, and steady bonus-point production against a deep and competitive field.

At 133 lbs, Isaiah Rubio led the Running Eagles with an impressive second-place finish. Rubio powered his way to the finals with a dominant opening-round tech fall (26–9), followed by a first-period pin in the quarterfinals and a commanding 6–0 decision in the semifinals. In the championship bout, Rubio battled through a tight match before dropping a 2–0 decision, closing the tournament with 18.5 team points.

Life fielded multiple competitors at 141 lbs, highlighted by Clayton Hicks' fourth-place finish. Hicks opened the day with a 4–2 decision before falling into the consolation bracket, where he responded with back-to-back pins and a medical forfeit victory to advance to the third-place match. Hicks ultimately placed fourth, contributing 17.5 team points. Christan Tabb also competed at the weight, gaining valuable experience against a strong bracket.

At 149 lbs, Dominic Ruiz competed in a challenging draw, opening with a first-round bye before dropping a decision in championship action and a major decision in the consolation rounds.

The Running Eagles saw another strong individual performance at 157 lbs, where Fabian Padilla advanced to the finals with a 3–0 start that included two tech falls and a decisive 5–0 semifinal victory. Padilla finished second via medical forfeit in the championship bout, totaling 19 team points and continuing his strong run this season.

Life placed two wrestlers at 174 lbs, led by Reese Jones, who finished sixth after opening the tournament with a decision and a quarterfinal pin. Jones' run included a first-round bye, a 6–3 decision, and a fall before medical forfeits concluded his day. Noah Flisser also competed at the weight, picking up a first-period pin in consolation action to add to Life's team scoring.

At 197 lbs, Gio Jackson put together one of the most complete runs of the tournament for the Running Eagles. Jackson advanced to the finals with a first-period pin, a 12–0 major decision, and an 8–2 semifinal victory before finishing second via medical forfeit in the championship bout, scoring 18 team points. Jayden Lhaubouet added depth at the weight, placing sixth after recording a tech fall in the quarterfinals and battling through a tough backside bracket.

With three finalists, multiple podium finishes, and consistent bonus-point production throughout the lineup, Life University continued to build momentum as the team progresses through its winter competition schedule.

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