WARRENSBURG, Mo.- The Ouachita wrestling team followed up their last meet of the season in Arkadephia by traveling to the University of Central Missouri for the UCM Dual Jamboree. At the event, Ouachita competed against Newman University, the University of Central Missouri and the University of Mary. Ouachita took two out of their three duals during the event, only falling to Mary in their first match-up of the day.

"I thought coming into this weekend we could win all three duals, or we could lose all three," said head coach Kevin Ward. "I wasn't sure how we would respond to how hard we have been training, but I feel fortunate to leave with 2 wins.  We beat two teams today that beat us last year, so that shows the direction this program is headed."

Ouachita was defeated by Mary by a final score of 26-15. The Tigers only victories came in the 125, 133 and 157 lb weight classes. Garret Evans took the 125 lb victory, recording a fall victory over Hunter Menendez at the 1:19 mark of the match. Seth Hutchinson took the 133 lb weight class for the Tigers, defeating Kyle Larson of Mary by a score of 5-2. Bobby Williams was the only other Tiger with a victory against the University of Mary, taking the 157 lb weight class by recording a victory by fall over Brock Krumm at the 6:50 mark of the match.

In their second match-up of the day, the Tigers rebounded with an impressive overall team performance against Central Missouri, winning by a final score of 40-10. The victory included four major decisions, three forfeits and a victory by fall for the Tigers. Among the forfeit victories for the Tigers were Seth Hutchinson in the 133 lb weight class, CJ Hays in the 197 lb weight class and Taylor Poe in the heavyweight class. Ouachita's major decisions were acheived by Tyler Hartman in the 125 lb weight class, Josh Myers in the 141 lb weight class, Dexter Carter in the 149 lb weight class and Dallas Smith in the 184 lb weight class. Bobby Williams collected the only win by fall over UCM, pinning his opponent at the 1:48 mark of his match.

 The Tigers continued their strong showing against Newman University in their third match of the day, taking the dual by a score of 33-18. Garret Evans again started things off right for the Tigers, winning the 125 lb weight class for the Tigers. Seth Hutchinson and Cole Bundy were unable to defeat their opponents though, as Newman took the lead after three matches. Dexter Carter rebounded for the Tigers in the 149 lb weight class, followed by another  victory for Bobby Williams, this time by forfeit, regaining the lead for Ouachita. Tyler Graham took the 164 lb weight class for the Tigers while Philip Dolan took the 174 lb weight class, stretching the Tiger lead and putting them in position for another dual victory. Dallas Smith took his second loss of the day in the 184 lb weight class, while CJ Hays took a win in the 184 lb class. Heavyweight Taylor Poe was defeated but Ouachita held on for the overall victory.

Ward finished by saying, "This weekend was a good test to see where we stand at this point in the season.  We are right on track."

The Tigers return to the mat on Friday, when they host Central Missouri for a dual at Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock. That dual will begin at 7 p.m.

Complete results can be found here.

-Josh Fink, Sports Information Director