by Paige Ross, Sports Information Student Assistant

Alma, Mich. — The Alma College wrestling team held their first home meet of the season tonight (Thursday, Jan. 12) against their rivals, the Olivet College Comets, at Art Smith Arena. The Scots fell to the Comets by a 35-7 margin. 

Alma stopped a sweep from the Comets, who are currently ranked 17th in NCAA Division III, taking two weight classes. 

The first of the wins came from sophomore Jared Fleming (Williamston, Mich./Williamston), who had a close match against Kevin Papak at 157 pounds and posted a 3-2 decision, with the deciding point coming by ride time. 

Senior Trent Hullett (Jackson, Mich./Parma Western) was victorious at 184 pounds against Ryan Clark and gained his third major decision of the season with 14-5 triumph.

"It was a hard fought dual against a seasoned team," Head Coach Jeremiah Tobias said. "They set the tone and pace in the matches which resulted in a W for them. Sometimes to set up you need to get knocked down and hopefully that is what happened tonight. The true test will be in how we respond going forward."

The Scots will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 21, in Art Smith Arena where they will host the Alma Open.

RESULTS

125 - Mike Schmidt (Olivet) dec. Brendan Ladd (Alma), 7-3

133 - Jayjay Brickley (Olivet) won via forfeit.

141 - Curtis Blackwell (Olivet) major dec. Jake Anderson (Alma), 15-5 

149 - No. 9 Austin Kelley (Olivet) dec. Evyn Bryant (Alma), 12-4 

157 - Jared Fleming (Alma) dec. Kevin Papak (Olivet), 3-2

165 - Davon Jackson (Olivet) pinned Roderick Howard (Alma), 2:01

174 - Tyler Grimsley (Olivet) dec. Taylor McPhail (Alma), 7-4

184 - Trent Hullett (Alma) major dec. Ryan Clark (Olivet), 14-5

197 - Kyle Carter (Olivet) dec. Chance Smith (Alma), 4-1

285 - Jesse Judge (Olivet) pinned Collin Rankin (Alma), 0:57