Wrestling team loses to Alma, 16-15, on criteria

ALMA, Mich. – In a collegiate wrestling dual meet, the minimum total points scored is 30. Tonight, at the Art Smith Arena in Alma, Olivet and Alma College split the 10 bouts and all were by minor decision, resulting in a 15-15 tie. Since neither team had earned any bonus points, criteria utilized to break the tie was most match points scored by a team. The Scots outscored the Comets, 52-48, giving them an additional team point per NCAA rules and the ultimate victory by a score of 16-15.

After losing two close matches at 125 and 133 pounds, the Comets tied the team score at 6-6 with back-to-back wins. Senior Kenny Richmond (Brighton) got the first win, 8-4, at 141 pounds. Junior Justin Holm (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) then used a takedown in overtime to win, 5-3, at 149 pounds.

Alma pulled ahead in the team score, 9-6, with a 3-1 win at 157 pounds. The Comets knotted the team score at 9-9 after senior James Myers (Monroe/Indian Creek) posted an 8-6 win at 165 pounds.

The Scots regained the lead, 12-9, with an 11-10 win at 174 pounds. Sophomore Jeff Holm (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) posted a 3-1 overtime win at 184 pounds to tie the match at 12-12.

Olivet seized its first lead of the match, 15-12, following a 9-7 victory for junior Andrew Simpson (Tecumseh) at 197 pounds. The Scots tied the match one final time by winning the last bout, 2-1, on a riding time point at the end of the bout.

The Comets will return to Alma Saturday to participate in the 2013 Mid-States Conference Tournament. Action gets started at 9 a.m.