By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
NEED TO KNOW
Results: Life U 55, Andrew College 0 | Life U 44, New College 3 | Life U 26, Truett-McConnell 4
MARIETTA, Ga. — The No. 2-ranked Life University men's wrestling team opened its 2026-27 campaign in dominant fashion Friday, sweeping three duals at the Life U Duals. The Running Eagles delivered convincing victories over Andrew College, New College and Truett-McConnell, showcasing their depth and strength throughout the lineup in their first competition of the season.
Life University vs. Andrew College (55–0)
Life U opened the day with a commanding 55–0 shutout of Andrew College, winning all 10 weight classes and earning bonus points in every bout.
Gabriel Tellez got the Running Eagles started at 125 lbs with a 14–5 major decision over Elijah England. Kaden Lapaugh followed with a forfeit victory at 133 lbs before Mauro Michel secured a fall over Zeke Adams in 2:56 at 141 lbs.
Dante Olivero continued the momentum at 149 lbs, pinning Jacoby Foster in 4:59. Life added another forfeit at 157 lbs through Avant Stepherson, followed by a forfeit victory for Gavin Balmeceda at 165 lbs.
Brock Weaver earned a 13–3 major decision over Wisdom Iheanacho at 174 lbs, while Reese Jones recorded a quick fall over Carmichael Gonzalez in just 1:23 at 184 lbs. Anthony Lowe added an 18–0 technical fall at 197 lbs before Efren Arizmendez closed the shutout with a pin over Fred Toney in 1:59 at heavyweight.
Life University vs. New College (44–3)
The Running Eagles carried their momentum into the second dual, earning a 44–3 victory over New College.
Tellez opened with a 16–1 technical fall over Caden Smith at 125 lbs, and Lapaugh followed with a 16–0 technical fall over Angel Legrand at 133 lbs. Michel continued the dominant start with a 15–0 technical fall over TJ Rodier at 141 lbs.
Olivero picked up a hard-fought 6–5 decision over Michael Kersey at 149 lbs, while Isaac Balden added an 11–8 decision over Talon Maple at 157 lbs.
After a setback at 165 lbs, Weaver responded with another dominant performance, recording a 16–0 technical fall over Justin Grant at 174 lbs. Jones secured a forfeit victory at 184 lbs before Lowe earned a fall over Bryce Jackson in just 1:06 at 197 lbs.
Arizmendez capped the dual with a pin over Reagan McCullough in 2:46 at heavyweight as Life U secured its second victory of the afternoon.
Life University vs. Truett-McConnell (Ga.) (26–4)
Life U closed out the afternoon against Truett-McConnell, earning its third victory of the day.
After Truett-McConnell opened with a major decision at 125 lbs, Lapaugh responded at 133 lbs with a 17–2 technical fall over Colt Mitchell in 3:15. Michel added a 10–1 major decision over Mikai Brinson at 141 lbs, while Olivero continued his strong afternoon with a 19–2 technical fall over Caleb Benton at 149 lbs.
Weaver added another bonus-point victory at 174 lbs, recording a fall over Miles Mason in 5:00. Arizmendez also picked up a forfeit victory at heavyweight to help secure the Running Eagles' third dual win of the day.
The Running Eagles completed their season-opening slate with three victories, making an early statement as the No. 2 team in the country entering the 2026-27 NAIA season.
Up next, the team continues the busy start to their season competing at the Patriot Open in Williamsburg, Ky. tomorrow.
