YORK, Neb. – College wrestling is underway in 2020-21. In a meeting of nearby programs, Concordia University Wrestling took on York College at the Freeman Center in York, Neb., for the first time since January 2014. The Panthers dominated the first half of the dual while securing a 30-19 victory on Friday (Oct. 30). Six of the 10 matches ended by fall.
Third-year Head Coach Levi Calhoun rolled out a new-look lineup with seven grapplers wearing the Bulldog singlet for the very first time. It’s a different team than the one that went 13-2 in dual meets last season. Even so, Calhoun has high expectations for his squad.
“Overall I’m just disappointed. We don’t like to lose – that’s the first thing,” Calhoun said. “We can’t give up falls. We gave up four falls. You can’t win a lot of duals like that. We just need to get better.”
There were plenty of fireworks in this season opener for both sides. Concordia waited until the 165-pound tussle before it got on the board. Transfer Jose Sanchez pinned York’s Cody Pederson to cut into what had been a 24-0 team deficit. The Bulldogs won four of the last five bouts with additional victories coming from freshmen Timothy Huber (174), Mason Garcia (197) and Jacob Telles (285). Garcia also took care of his opponent by pin while Telles triumphed by major decision (over a Nebraska high school state champion).
It was a positive way to end the night after the Panthers owned the first five matches. The lone returning national qualifier in Friday’s Concordia lineup, junior Mario Ybarra was clipped in overtime by Pierce Mederios at 133. Former Milford High School state champion Jeaven Scodoris drew an All-American in his first collegiate match and was competitive until getting pinned by John Fox.
Head Coach Chad Mattox’s Panthers displayed their strength at the top of the lineup. Harley Williamson (125) and Mederios (133) are returning national qualifiers. York also threw out three freshmen, including two that picked up wins. The Panthers were able to avenge the 30-16 defeat they suffered last season inside Walz Arena.
The Bulldogs expect to enter 14 individuals into Saturday’s York Open. Action is set to begin from the Freeman Center at 9 a.m. CT. It will offer a chance to quickly put the dual in the rearview mirror. Said Calhoun, “We had some bright spots and some young kids are doing well. As a team, we need to get a lot better.”