Red Devils Take on Loaded Field at North Central

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Eureka men's and women's wrestling teams competed at the North Central Invitational this weekend against strong competition.

On Saturday, the men competed, led by Gaige Owens, who secured an 8th place finish at 141 pounds and was named SLIAC Men's Wrestler of the Week for his efforts. He started his day with a 15-5 win by major decision before losing by major decision in the next round, which sent him to the consolation bracket. In the consolation bracket, Owens rolled past the competition, securing a 17-0 win by technical fall, a 17-3 win by major decision, and a 17-7 win by major decision. However, he was unable to continue his momentum into the consolation championship, losing by decision and ending his day with a 4-2 record.

"He's a great leader for us," Head Coach Eric Biehl said of Owens after the meet. "Not only did he perform well on the mat, but his presence helps the guys lock in and stay excited for the day."

Several of the younger wrestlers on the men's team secured their first collegiate takedowns on Saturday. Coach Biehl expressed his satisfaction with seeing these wrestlers achieve takedowns and will be excited about the potential of some of the promising underclassmen on the team.

On Sunday, the women competed against a stacked field, which included the top five ranked NCAA programs. McKenzie Cook and Kyley Bair led the team, each picking up two wins.

Bair started her day with a win by fall in the preliminary rounds, advancing to the championship bracket. She then lost by fall in her next matchup, sending her to the consolation side of the bracket. There, she secured a 10-0 win by technical fall, before losing by fall again in her next match, ending her day with a 2-2 record in the 110-pound weight class.

At 145 pounds, McKenzie Cook began her day with a loss by fall, sending her to the consolation bracket. She advanced with a win by injury default, then secured a 14-4 win by technical fall before losing by fall to end her day. Cook finished with a 2-2 record.

UP NEXT
Both teams are back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 18, when the Red Devils will travel to Aurora. The dual is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m.