CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Fire enjoyed their first dual match of the season on Saturday. The No. 3-ranked Southeastern University wrestlers soundly won the final nine bouts with seven resulting in bonus points of the 42-4 domination of host Truett-McConnell University.
After splitting the opening two weight classes, SEU's Drew Jones, Mario De La Torre and Konner Schluckebier all pinned their 141, 149 and 157-pound opponents in the first period to highlight the team win. Each of the three wasted no time in putting their opponents shoulders to the mat as Jones pinned Isaac Hall in only 1:39, De La Torre took care of Elijah Mullins in 2:08, and Schluckebier waited until 2:34 for his fall over Chase Bond at 157.
Not to be outdone, #10 Anthony Federico and #2 Graham Calhoun both had their way for five-point tech falls in the first period for themselves. At 165, Federico used all of the 3-minute opening period, but ended his match against Derek Counsel via an 18-2 tech fall. Calhoun did it faster in the 174-pound weight class where he took down Christian Anderson to a 17-2 tech final in only 1:47.
John Roberts made it seven-straight SEU weight class wins with a 4-1 decision at 184 over Will Parker.
The Fire bonus-point results returned in the final two matches. Ralph Sanchez scored the team's lone major decision via a 21-10 final over Spencer Fields in the 197 match. While at 285, #17 Trillyon Fils-Aime worked Phillip Terrell to an 18-1 tech fall as time elapsed in the first period.
Blaine Jones started the nine-straight SEU wins with a 9-3 decision over Tate Thomas at 133.
Tyler Ramos posted the lone Truett-McConnell win in the 125-weight over Erick Hair, 13-3 by major decision.
SEU makes its way the short distance to Franklin Springs, Ga. tomorrow for the Emmanuel College's Georgia Open.
