In its second match, the BU wrestlers faced Cumberland University (Tenn.). Once again, the Wildcats were victorious in six of ten matches as AJ Gassman (133 pounds), Jarell Price (149 pounds), Nathan Sommer (157 pounds), Parker Owen (174 pounds), Jacob Nowak (197 pounds), and Brandon Gebhardt closing out the match with a 21 second pin in the heavyweight match to give Baker a 22-15 victory.
Baker’s final dual of the afternoon pitted the Wildcats against eighth-ranked Campbellsville University (Ky.). Senior Jarell Price highlighted the Wildcats effort, posting an unblemished tournament record of 3-0, as Baker fell to Campbellsville 30-10. Price currently ranks No. 2 nationally in the 149 pound weight class.
“Overall I am happy with our teams effort,” said head wrestling coach Jimmy May. “I believe we showed we are capable of competing with the top teams and individuals in the country. Throughout the next several weeks, we will be continuing to prepare our team to compete in the regional and national tournament.”
The Wildcats also sent wrestlers to Hastings, Neb., this past weekend to compete in the Hastings Quality Inn Open. 141 pound Josh Wolfe and 165 pound James Hirsch highlighted the group by qualifying for the 2012 NAIA National Championships.
Baker has now qualified 19 wrestlers for the 2012 NAIA Wrestling National Championships set to be held March 1-3 in Des Moines, Iowa.
