LAKELAND, Fla. -- No. 3 Southeastern came up short in a top-five AAC showdown, falling 27–15 to No. 1 Life in a dual that featured 14 nationally ranked wrestlers and several swing bouts. The Fire battled throughout the lineup, earning three wins and closing the night with an upset at heavyweight.
Life grabbed the early advantage at 125, as Mikey Doerr recorded a major decision over Eric Hair for a 4–0 lead. Southeastern quickly answered at 133 behind top-ranked
Aaron Lucio, who controlled his match with Isaiah Rubio to earn a decision and cut the deficit to 4–3.
The Running Eagles created separation across the next four weights. At 141, No. 13 Michel Mauro pinned
Anthony O'Dell to spark the run. Elvis Solis followed with a major decision over No. 19
Raymond Cavey at 149, and No. 2 Fabian Padilla edged
Justin Krebs by decision at 157. At 165, Rocky Raby topped No. 7
Jovon Mitchell by decision, pushing Life's lead to 20–3.
Southeastern found momentum at 174 when No. 11
Ty Rodriguez was awarded a medical forfeit victory over No. 6 Konlin Weaver, narrowing the score to 20–9. Life answered at 184 with No. 3 Tre Morrisette earning a decision against No. 12
August Batson, then added a major decision at 197 as No. 8 Efren Arizmendez defeated
Ralph Sanchez to extend the margin to 27–9.
The Fire finished strong in the final bout of the night.
Bryce Wheatley delivered the highlight for Southeastern with the upset over third-ranked Gabe Jacobs at heavyweight, securing six team points and closing the dual on a positive note.
Southeastern now turns its attention to the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships, set for February 20, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The all-day event will determine conference champions and serve as a key step toward national qualification as the Fire look to build on their strong regular-season resume.
