KEARNEY, Neb. – A crew of 13 Bulldogs represented the Concordia University, Nebraska Wrestling program at the Younes Hospitality Open hosted by the University of Nebraska Kearney on Saturday (Nov. 22). The Bulldog starters had the day off after competing in Friday’s dual at No. 8 Doane. The yields at the loaded Saturday tournament were nine Concordia wins. In making his Bulldog debut, transfer Cannon Carey finished one win away from a place finish. The event featured “Intermediate” and “Amateur” divisions.
Head Coach Josh Watt’s squad fell by a 33-17 score in Friday’s dual. The season to date has now included three tournaments and two duals (1-1 record).
Of the 13 Bulldogs who took to the mats at the Kearney SportsPlex in Kearney, Neb., eight emerged with at least one victory. A former Labette Community College competitor, Carey dropped his first match of the day by major decision before beginning to make his way through the back side of the Intermediate bracket. In round four of the consolation bracket, Carey earned a major decision over an NCAA Division II opponent. With a place finish on the line, Carey then dropped a 9-8 decision while up against another D2 foe.
At 157 pounds, Francisco Mendez (Norfolk, Neb.) posted two wins, including one via major decision, in the intermediate division. Mendez was eliminated in consolation round No. 4. The following Bulldogs recorded exactly one win on the day: Gabe Lujan (125), Aaron Ohnoutka (133), Braysen Salinas (149), Simon Arredondo (165), Ramon Arredondo (184) and Chason Turner (184).
Conference dual action will resume on Tuesday with GPAC Day of Duals No. 1 scheduled to take place at the Hindman-Hobbs Center in Sioux City, Iowa. As part of the event, the Bulldogs will take on Briar Cliff at 4 p.m. and Waldorf at 7 p.m. This will be the final event of November for Concordia.