The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team continues to develop innovative ways to showcase its student-athletes to fans and supporters. Tonight's Blue & Gold Match at Chamberlain Field was another outstanding example of these efforts.
The Mocs took their annual preseason exhibition outdoors to the middle of campus. Over 300 fans showed with lawn chairs and blankets for a perfect fall evening in the Scenic City.
Not only was the weather great, but those who attended were also treated to some outstanding wrestling. Of the 10 matches, only one included bonus points, three were decided by two points or less and one went to overtime.
"I thought it was a great night, stated UTC head coach Heath Eslinger. "We came out of it injury-free and there was some great competition. The fans seemed to enjoy it and we love doing these types of events that are unique to our campus."
Junior Barrett Walthall was called to pull double-duty tonight, so he went first at 184 against junior Bryce Carr. Carr took the 6-4 decision to give the Gold team a 3-0 advantage.
Action went back to the top of the lineup with sophomore Alonzo Allen scoring an 11-5 decision over freshman Fabian Gutierrez at 125. That knotted the team score a 3-3.
The Gold squad surged ahead behind freshman Chris Debein's 20-5 technical fall over sophomore Jake Huffine. Gold won again at 141 when sophomore Roman Boylen posted a 5-0 decision over freshman Logan Sims.
Darkness settled in about halfway through the match, creating an even more unique environment. However, the lights from the new Chamberlain Pavilion and UTC Library helped make the crowd grow with passers-by heading to and from evening classes.
One of two upsets took place at 149 when freshman Dylanger Potter had a 7-5 decision over senior Michael Pongracz. Potter scored a takedown in extra time to cut Gold's lead to 11-6.
Junior Dylan Forzani extended Gold's advantage with a 6-0 win against sophomore Trey Watson at 157, followed by junior Justin Lampe's 7-3 decision over sophomore Chad Solomon for the Blue team at 165.
Senior Sean Mappes closed the gap to 14-12 with a Blue win over Walthall at 174. That set up a big match between junior Scottie Boykin and senior Clay Dent at 197. Dent scored a quick takedown for a 2-0 lead right after the opening whistle. Boykin escaped but could never get the go-ahead score against the fifth-year senior. Dent held on for a 3-2 victory that gave Gold a 17-12 lead.
Senior Jared Johnson closed out the evening with a 7-1 decision over sophomore Connor Tolley for the Blue Team. That left the final score at 17-15 for the Gold squad.
The Mocs open the regular season next weekend when they host Southeastern at Maclellan Gym. Action starts early at 11:00 a.m.
(E.D.T.) on Saturday, Nov. 5. Season tickets are on sale