Rivalry renewed: Wrestling team shuts out Alma, 49-0
The Olivet College wrestling team hosted Alma College in Olivet tonight for the first time since Jan. 18, 1984. The Scots may want to forget tonight’s trip, as the Comets won all 10 matches, including half by fall, en route to a 49-0 shutout win. The shutout is the first for Olivet since Jan. 19, 2005, when it beat Tri-State (Ind.) University by the same score.
OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College wrestling team hosted Alma College in Olivet tonight for the first time since Jan. 18, 1984. The Scots may want to forget tonight's trip, as the Comets won all 10 matches, including half by fall, en route to a 49-0 shutout win. The shutout is the first for Olivet since Jan. 19, 2005, when it beat Tri-State (Ind.) University by the same score.
At 125 pounds, senior Evan Cusumano (Armada) scored a takedown with 30 seconds left to pull out a 6-4 win. The Comets won the next three bouts by major decision -- sophomore Robbie Bidlingmaier (Chesterfield Twp./Anchor Bay), 13-5, at 133 pounds; junior Kenny Richmond (Brighton), 12-2, at 141 pounds; and sophomore Gage Pederson (Hastings), 13-2, at 149 pounds.
Olivet won three straight matches by fall. Senior Steven Mena (Martin) pinned his opponent in 2:13 at 157 pounds. Junior James Myers (Indian Creek, Ohio/Monroe) was a little quicker with a pin in 1:59 at 165 pounds. Senior Trevor Tyler (Roscommon) recorded his pin with 20 seconds left at 174 pounds.
Junior Josh Crawford (Birch Run) posted an 11-0 major decision win at 184 pounds. The Comets capped the win with a pair of first period pins. At 197 pounds, senior Justin Leonard (Webberville) was the quickest one of the night in 36 seconds. At 285 pounds, junior Logan Renas (Big Rapids) won by fall in 1:02.
Olivet returns to action this Saturday, Feb. 11, at the 2012 Mid-States Conference Tournament. College of Mount St. Joseph (Ohio) is the host school, and action gets started at 9 a.m.