By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
HUNTINGTON, Ala. — The Life University men's wrestling team turned in a dominant performance at the Hawk Open on Saturday, crowning four individual champions, producing two runner-up finishes, and piling up bonus points throughout the lineup against a competitive open field.
At 125 pounds, Mikey Doerr led the charge with a championship run, scoring 22.5 team points. Doerr opened with a bye before collecting a tech fall, a major decision, and a first-period pin en route to the finals, where he secured the title with a fall at 6:49.
Life continued its momentum at 141 pounds behind Mauro Michel, who captured the title with four bonus-point victories. Michel opened with consecutive tech falls before recording back-to-back falls in the semifinal and championship bouts.
At 174 pounds, Reese Jones delivered the most prolific scoring performance of the tournament, finishing with the most team points for the team. Jones recorded four falls and a tech fall, closing his dominant run with a 16–1 tech fall in the championship match.
The Running Eagles then placed two wrestlers in the finals at 184 pounds, as Tre Morrisette and Kendall Norfleet each earned runner-up finishes after a double forfeit. Both wrestlers advanced with three straight tech falls before meeting in the championship bout.
At 197 pounds, Gio Jackson capped the day with another individual title, advancing to the finals with a major decision and a tech fall before winning the championship with a 19–5 major decision.
With four champions, dual finalists at 184 pounds, and heavy bonus-point production across the board, Life University showcased its depth and firepower as the Running Eagles continue to build momentum with NWCA National Duals right around the corner.
