Pins by Thatcher, Moore push Jackets to victory over Muskingum
DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance Yellow Jackets hosted the final home dual of the wrestling season on Friday night and earned a 29-17 victory over the Muskingum Fighting Muskies at the Karl H. Weaner Center.
The Yellow Jackets improved to 4-5 in dual meets this season and did so in comeback fashion.
After falling behind 12-0, Gage Grunden picked up 3 points for DC by enduring a 2-0 victory in his first dual action for the Jackets. That bout also led to a one-point deduction against the Muskies. DC claimed two of the next three battles to pull within one, 14-13.
Daniel Thatcher flipped the match in Defiance's favor with a first-period pin, which was followed by a major decision for Kale Waxler. With a window to victory still open for the Muskies entering the 197 bout, Samuel Moore slammed it shut by clinching the DC win with another first-period pin. The heavyweight battle went into overtime and was claimed by the Muskies.
The two squads also entertained exhibitions for Defiance senior Brian Swinehart, who fell by a major decision, and Muskingum's Jack Peterson, who was pinned by Moore in the first period.
RESULTS
- 125 - Open forfeit
- 133 - Matthew Wheeler lost to Joey Slatzer (Fall 5:29)
- 141 - Gage Grunden def. Lee Zoganas (2-0)
- 149 - Drew Matthews def. Aiden Johnson (MD 9-0)
- 157 - Peyton Brown lost to Wyatt Obferbeck (8-4)
- 165 - Graiden Troth won by open forfeit
- 174 - Daniel Thatcher def. Breyden Hill (Fall 2:23)
- 184 - Kale Waxler def. Caden Kenworthy (MD 11-3)
- 197 - Samuel Moore def. Anthony Gencarelli (Fall 2:51)
- 285 - Evan Smigelsi lost to Scotty Edwards (6-1 OT)
- Exhibition 157 - Brian Swinehart lost to Wyatt Opferbeck (MD 11-1)
- Exhibition 197 - Samuel Moore def. Jack Peterson (Fall 2:13)
UP NEXT
The Yellow Jackets resume their season on Wednesday with a dual meet at Rochester Christian. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Garth Pleasant Arena.
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