Wrestling team recognizes senior Greyhounds
The University of Indianapolis wrestling team held its final home match on Feb. 11 against the University of Findlay. The Greyhounds suffered a loss to the Roughneck of 24-12.
The Greyhounds also recognized senior wrestlers Matt Clark, Blake Harvey, Ethan Harris and David Lopez.
Senior David Lopez reaches for Findlay wrestler Jeremy Espinoza’s ankle as he tries to make a move on the mat. The match was Lopez’s last wrestling match at home. Photo by Victoria Jenkins
Harris won in the 133 weight class for the Greyhounds. Freshman Justin Kieffer won in the 141 weight class, and freshman Austin Chamberlain won in the 157 weight class.
“I thought as a team we did very well,” said freshman Dustin Parrish. “They’re a tough team. They’re one of the best teams in the nation, and they are a solid team throughout.”
Parrish wrestled returning national champion Michael Lybarger. After two-and-a-half periods, and only giving up two points, Parrish lost by a fall.
“I gave up a pin in mid-third period, but it was a solid match throughout,” Parrish said. “He was supposed to beat me, and beat me soundly. He escaped twice on me and the match was only 2-0 before I got caught and pinned.”
Lopez also lost a close battle with Findlay’s Jeremy Espinoza by a score of 6-4.
“We would’ve liked to see Dave [Lopez] get a win. He wrestled well but just couldn’t pull it off,” said Assistant Coach Bob Brubeck. “But we are very proud of him.”
Lopez, had his last home dual meet of his Greyhound career. He mentioned that it was especially nice having the support.
“It was nice to know you went out being a part of something like being a UIndy Greyhound wrestler,” Lopez said “As an overall wrestler, being here has brought me to a whole new level. The coaches bring out the best in us.”
The wrestling team also traveled to St. Louis on Feb. 8 to wrestle Maryville College. UIndy defeated the Saints 24-21, winning three matches by forfeit and adding wins by Kieffer at 141 pounds, freshman Aaron Stevenson at 184 pounds and sophomore Evan Wooding at 285 pounds.
“Unfortunately there were a lot of forfeits on their end, but it was a good environment to wrestle in,” said Parrish, who received a forfeit against the Saints.
Brubeck mentioned that the match was all about improvement.
“Even though we won the dual, I feel like we could’ve wrestled better as a team,” Parrish said. “But I am happy with the way they [the wrestlers] performed on the mat.”
Brubeck mentioned that the seniors really stepped up for the underclassmen this year.
“I want to thank the seniors for doing a great job as leaders on the team, on and off the mat,” Brubeck said “Our next two-to-three years are going to be exciting.”
The Greyhounds head back to the mat on Feb. 24 at St. Cloud, Minn.
