MUSKEGON, Mich. – The Alma College men's wrestling team opened up the 2023 season traveling to Muskegon Community College for the Ben McMullen Open on Saturday, November 4th. The Scots had two wrestlers place in the top four of their respective weight class brackets.
Tyler Demory was one of the Scots wrestlers to finish in the top four as Demory placed fourth overall in the 125 division. Demory started out his tournament with a loss by decision (7-0) which sent him to the consolation side of the bracket. Demory then had a bye before winning by technical fall over Joe Perez of MCC (18-2). Demory then won his next round by decision over Roan Cooper of Davenport University (14-7) setting him up with a berth in the consolation semifinals. Demory kept his momentum rolling as he then claimed another victory over Junior Arizmendi of Manchester University by major decision (14-4) placing him in the third-place bout. Demory would ultimately drop the third -place match by decision (7-2) and place fourth overall in the bracket.
Will Vernier was the other Alma wrestler to place on the podium for the Scots as he finished third in the 174 division. Vernier opened his tournament with a bye in the first round, then leading to a second-round victory over Bryse Rowley from Mott Community College by tech fall (17-2). Vernier then fell in the semifinal round by major decision (13-0) setting him up for another round in the consolation semifinal. Vernier got back on track as he picked up a win by decision over Gavin Malone of Trine University by decision (8-6) setting him up in the third-place match as well. In the final match Vernier won a close match by decision (4-2) over Darrin Alward of Davenport to claim third place honors for the day.
Every Scot wrestler that competed picked up a win in the tournament to kick off the season. Scots wrestlers that picked up one win on the day include: Dominic Megdanoff, Dakota Quinlan, Gabriel Sultzbach, Cael Dempsey, Owen Atienza, Calvin Huggler, Doug Morris, and freshman Carter Melonio, who picked up his first career collegiate victory. Scots wrestlers that picked up multiple wins on the day included: Dakota Forgash, Trent Braman, Brody Miskimon, and freshman Gage Vincent and Jushawn Ferrel Jr who each picked up their first collegiate wins as well.
The Scots will be back in action on Saturday, November 11th, as they will travel south to the campus of Trine University for the Trine Invitational. The matches are set to begin a 9:30 AM.
