WALNUT RIDGE, AR. – The McMurry University men's wrestling team traveled to Arkansas this week for a competitive tri-dual hosted by Williams Baptist University, featuring a second matchup against Central Baptist College. Despite facing roster depth challenges that resulted in several open weights, the War Hawks made their presence felt in the contested bouts, highlighted by multiple pins and a dominant major decision.

War Hawks Duel Central Baptist
In the opening dual against Central Baptist, Aaron Micheals set a physical tone at 125 pounds. Micheals showcased his finishing ability, battling through a tough match to secure a fall at the 4:56 mark over Cameron Hooten.

The middleweights kept the momentum swinging in McMurry's favor at 165 pounds. Tyler Gardner delivered an offensive masterclass against Brayden Crouch, racking up points in a 17-9 Major Decision. The War Hawks also saw Jose Cordova pick up points at 197 pounds via forfeit. While Central Baptist took the dual 34-16, McMurry won three of the six weight classes where a wrestler was present for both sides.
Heavyweight Victory vs. Williams Baptist

The night concluded with a tough slate against the host, Williams Baptist. The highlight of the dual came at 285 pounds, where Jacob May put on a dominant display. May utilized his technique to overwhelm Micah Oltmanns, securing a pin just 2:10 into the first period.

At 125 pounds, Aaron Micheals nearly notched his second win of the day in a high-scoring thriller against Jimmy Singleton. The two lightweights traded shots in a back-and-forth affair, with Singleton narrowly edging out Micheals in a 13-9 decision.

From the Corner: Coach Lance Brown
"Today was about individual growth and winning the battles we had in front of us," said Head Coach Lance Brown. "Seeing Aaron Micheals and Jacob May both pick up pins shows the work these guys are putting in the room is paying off.

Tyler Gardner's major decision was another bright spot—he wrestled with a lot of confidence and didn't stop attacking. We are still battling some gaps in the lineup, but the guys who are stepping on the mat are competing with a 'War Hawk' mentality. We'll take the positives from today back to Abilene and keep building."
 
Tri-Dual Results
Central Baptist 34, McMurry 16

• 125: Aaron Micheals (MCM) def. Cameron Hooten (CBA) | Fall 4:56
• 149: Alex Lopez (CBA) def. Major Watz (MCM) | TF 16-1
• 165: Tyler Gardner (MCM) def. Brayden Crouch (CBA) | MD 17-9
• 197: Jose Cordova (MCM) | Forfeit
• 285: Brayden Holley (CBA) def. Jacob May (MCM) | TF 16-0

Williams Baptist 43, McMurry 6

• 125: Jimmy Singleton (WILL) def. Aaron Micheals (MCM) | Dec 13-9
• 149: Caiden Saavedra (WILL) def. Major Watz (MCM) | TF 19-3
• 165: Tevin Minney (WILL) def. Tyler Gardner (MCM) | Fall 1:26
• 197: Roman Corral (WILL) def. Jose Cordova (MCM) | TF 20-4
• 285: Jacob May (MCM) def. Micah Oltmanns (WILL) | Fall 2:10

 
Up Next
The War Hawks continue their season on the road as they prepare for upcoming competition at Wayland Baptist on February 4^th at 6:00pm.