Wrestling Era Begins with Three Placers at Central Missouri Open


Junior Matt Baker (197 lbs.) placed third in the University of Central Missouri Open Sunday, Nov. 13., helping the Maryville Saints to a 30-29 overall team record in their first ever wrestling match. Baker was one of three who placed in the open. Senior Brett Rosedale (174 lbs.) and freshman Demitri Willis (165 lbs.) both placed fifth.

First match of the day was for freshman Matthew Allibone, his first wrestling match in two years. Matthew was losing 2-0 before coming back to win 3-2 in the third period. The second match consisted of sophomore transfer, Brandon Oshiro winning an exciting overtime match 15-13 on an elusive take down. Other first round winners were Tyrell Galloway (133 lbs.), Christian Loges (165 lbs.), Joey Moorhouse (157 lbs.), Ryan Beltz (184 lbs.), Zach Wilcox (HWT) and Morgan Denson (HWT).

In what very well could have been the most exciting match of the day, Matt Baker faced Darnell Bortz of Oklahoma State. The two battled back and forth throughout, but with Bortz up one point in the third period, Baker drilled Bortz to the mat for a takedown with only 1.2 seconds on the clock. Baker won the match 6-5 and continued on to place third in his weight class.

In addition to fans and family that made the trip to Warrensburg, the wrestling livestreaming through Facebook had a consistent fan attendance between 100-120 people from all over the country during the eleven-hour open. The live stream application will continue throughout the rest of the season, and the next stop is the Lindenwood University Open in St. Charles, Mo., Saturday, Nov., 19, at 9 a.m. The live streaming will begin at 9 a.m. and matches will run throughout the entire day.

Link to complete brackets: http://www.ucmo.edu/athletics/wrestling/11-12%20Results/2011%20UCM%20Open.pdf