MARSHALL, Mo. – The Concordia University wrestling team began the day with four competitors hoping to make a run on the backside of their respective brackets at the Missouri Valley Invite in Marshall. However, each Bulldog suffered a defeat in morning matches and were eliminated from a loaded field at an event that serves as a preview of the national championships in March.
Head coach Andrew Nicola’s squad traveled seven wrestlers to the tournament. They combined to go 11-14.
It was an encouraging weekend for 141-pound junior Chris Kimball, who toppled third-ranked Sonny Gulesian of Briar Cliff on Friday. Kimball faced another difficult draw on Saturday. He ultimately saw his tournament concluded with a 6-4 loss to No. 5 Gaige Torres of Indiana Tech. Kimball and each of his teammates posted at least one victory on the weekend.
Walker Fisher, who went 2-2 at 174 pounds, also picked up a solid win. Ranked 20th in his weight class, Fisher pinned Briar Cliff’s No. 19 Nathan Garcia. Other Concordia grapplers to go 2-2 at the Missouri Valley Invite were Cam Devers (141) and Josh Nelsen (184). Jerry Stepps III (125), Jared Woods (157) and Darrin Miller (184) also made the trip to Marshall.
A pivotal day of GPAC action is coming up next Saturday (Jan. 27) at Briar Cliff. While in Sioux City, Iowa, the Bulldogs will take on conference foes Briar Cliff, Doane, Hastings and Jamestown. Concordia owns dual records of 4-6 overall and 1-1 inside the GPAC.