ST. LOUIS – The 2023-24 edition of Missouri Baptist University Men's Wrestling made a statement they are a team to be reckoned with a dominating performance over first-year program William Woods University on Wednesday night at the Petty SRC. MBU counted four falls and two tech-falls among their almost flawless performance en route to a 49-6 dual victory over the Owls.
 
Last year's NAIA National Qualifier at 133 pounds got the evening off to a good start. Dillon Witt made quick work of his opponent at 141 pounds, needing just 2:52 to complete a 17-0 tech fall. The junior from Sullivan, Mo. counted three four-point near falls in his scoring arsenal.
 
Junior ET Rodgers Jr. followed that up with an equally impressive 22-4 tech fall. Rodgers was able to repeatedly lift his opponent off the mat and slam him down for three-point takedowns almost at will.
 
Next up was the quick pin of the night as sophomore Joel Campbell disposed of his opponent in 24 seconds at 157. Junior transfer Tony Connor was barely outdone as he took care of his Owl opponent in 37 seconds at 174. Heavyweight freshman Spencer Fleming did the same at 285 in one minute and 15 seconds. Fellow freshman Blake Johnson took his time but still got the stick in the first period at 184.
 
Redshirt sophomore Logan Neumann scored the only decision of the night, with an 8-2 victory at 197 pounds. The Spartans also received forfeit victories at 125 and 133 pounds.
 
The only blemish of the night for the Spartans occurred at 165 pounds where freshman Nicholas Keim battled but ultimately succumbed by pin late in the second period.
 
In addition to the dual, four other exhibition matches were contested. Daryl Mills made easy work of his opponent in a match contested at 141 pounds, and promising freshman Leonides Ruvalcaba scored a fall in the final minute of the second period.
 
Next up for the Spartans is a trip to Park City, Kansas on Saturday to take part in their first tournament of the new season, the Falcon Invite hosted by Friends University. MBU is expected to have as many as 20 competitors entered.